Concussion Gives Big Ben Headache, Swollen Noggin; Now Helmet Doesn’t Fit

Quick refresher just in case you started following tackle football yesterday afternoon: during a meaningless Week 17 game against the Browns, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was tackled, concussed, and hauled off the field in the span of 15 minutes.

Trust me, it was much more dramatic than that 17-word description, and the incident led to the predictably lame arguments about playing starters in a game that doesn't matter, followed by legitimate concerns about Big Ben's health.

Turns out, Roethlisberger just had a concussion. (I say "just" not to trivialize a head injury, but to put it in perspective; Ben's facemask was removed, he was tied to a stretcher and driven off the field. Such precautions are usually reserved for serious injuries, although drama queening quarterbacks might now be an exception.)

And with the Steelers enjoying a first-round bye, Roethlisberger's been cleared to play this Sunday against the Chargers. One problem, though: his helmet doesn't fit. No, seriously, just read quite possibly the best lede ever written: