Steelers' Switzer: Big Ben 'let it rip' in throwing sessions

Ben Roethlisberger didn't hold back during a workout with teammates Saturday, according to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer.

The quarterback's been slowly ramping up his rehab from an elbow injury that ended his 2019 season. The veteran has been throwing for three months but apparently impressed in a 90-minute session with receivers Switzer and JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner.

Switzer said Roethlisberger's fastball is as good as ever.

"You know, like, when the ball cuts through the air and you can hear that 'pfft-pfft-pfft' sound?" Switzer told The Athletic's Mark Kaboly. "That's what JuJu said it sounded like. I didn't hear it but, man, I have been trying to catch with no gloves for a couple of months to build up these calluses, but ask my hands how they feel catching his throws."

Roethlisberger announced his return with a 38-second hype video Sunday that included footage of the two-time Super Bowl winner nailing a throw to Smith-Schuster.

Feels good to be back out there with my guys! @TeamJuJu @JamesConner_ @Switz pic.twitter.com/hAlOwr7Ias

- BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) May 18, 2020

"Man, he let it rip," Switzer said. "There was no restraint, no hesitancy, he was just out there. He has been throwing like that for a while and, in my opinion at least, getting out there on that field for the first time and throwing full-speed routes was refreshing. The control factor was taken out of it. He was out there and he was throwing. Did some off-schedule stuff. No restraints. He threw everything - across his body. Everything."

The Steelers have been bullish about the 38-year-old's chances of making a full recovery from elbow surgery, with general manager Kevin Colbert even saying he believes Roethlisberger could be better upon his return.

Roethlisberger is just one season removed from leading the league in passing yards and ranking fifth in touchdown passes.

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