PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers dropped to 0-2 after their fourth-quarter rally fell short in Sunday's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
But potentially even more concerning than the team's 28-26 loss were the early departures of two key offensive starters.
Ben Roethlisberger exited late in the second quarter with an elbow injury to his throwing arm, while running back James Conner left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Both were labeled questionable to return, but neither returned.
In Roethlisberger's absence, second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph nearly led the Steelers to a fourth-quarter comeback in his first career appearance, completing 12-of-19 attempts for 112 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.