The Facts: Asked about his progress in recovering from last year's elbow surgery, Roethlisberger is optimistic. “I have no doubts I’m going to be able to come back and play well — none,” Roethlisberger said. “I have complete confidence in that. I’m throwing without pain for the first time in years. Some games, I would have a little pain. Some games, I would have a lot of pain. But in the New England game and the Seattle game [last season], it got to be too much. To be able to throw without pain now? That feels nice. That’s a nice feeling. I know I’m not getting any younger, but I feel younger because I don’t have any pain.”

Diehards Line: Roethlisberger was given the go-ahead by his Los Angeles-based surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, to begin throwing a football Feb. 21. The Steelers posted a brief video of him throwing the next day. He said he had no apprehension about throwing after his surgery, which involved three flexor tendons being reattached. Roethlisberger said he will increase his throwing from twice a week to three times a week next week. “Right now, it’s about 40 throws a day and about 20 yards. I throw from my knees and I throw flat-footed. It’s mainly just about getting my spin back." Roethlisberger also addressed concerns about his weight. “I’ve heard people say I’m fat, and that just blows my mind,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m lighter and in better shape than I was in either of the past two years. I haven’t stopped working out. ... I guess it’s my beard that makes me look heavier. I must have five pounds in that, I know. But I’m not overweight.”