could be one of the final pieces of their premiership puzzle

PITTSBURGH --?Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger absolutely expects Andrew Luck to take the field for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night, but he cautions the star quarterback to be smart while in concussion protocol.Roethlisberger is drawing from experience after 12-plus years in the league and multiple concussion-related issues.The brain is nothing to mess with, Roethlisberger told Indianapolis reporters on a conference call. He is young and has a long career ahead of himself.Roethlisberger, 34, said he has to expect Luck, 27, to play because Lucks a tough competitor and one of the best in the game. But he wouldnt knock Luck for sitting if necessary.The Tennessee Titans sacked Luck twice and hit him eight times in the Colts win Sunday, with defensive tackle Austin Johnsons fourth-quarter hit likely forcing Luck into the concussion protocol.Luck must be cleared before playing. Scott Tolzien is the backup. On the season, Luck is averaging 3.5 sacks per game.Roethlisberger was in the protocol last season after taking a hit from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Michael Bennett in a Week 12 loss. He played the next game, with six full days to recover compared to Lucks three days this week. Roethlisberger said after that game that he didnt have a concussion. Roethlisberger has taken 453 sacks in his career, 34 in the past two seasons. Roethlisbergers concussion history dates to at least 2006, when he was questionable for a game with the Oakland Raiders while coming off a head injury.When asked by Indianapolis media whether hes kept track of his concussions, Roethlisberger said, I have no idea. Maybe too many.I have played this game a long time and younger days in my career when I wouldnt have [missed time], and there were many times that Ive said that I havent told anybody that I had been dinged or had a concussion, Roethlisberger said. Looking back on it, I wish I wouldnt have. You have to be smart when it comes to your brain because you only play football for such a short period of your life. When you have a family and people that you are going to be with for the long term, you have to really make sure your health is taken care of.Roethlisberger has played through several injuries as part of what he calls a violent sport. One injury cant be played through, he says.You can rub dirt on a lot of things, but you cant rub dirt on the brain, Roethlisberger said.ESPNs Mike Wells contributed to this report. Stan Smith Scontate . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. Scarpe Stan Smith Scontate . Third-seeded Murray had the easiest path to victory on New Years Eve, barely breaking a sweat during his 6-0, 6-0 win over 2,129th-ranked Qatari wildcard recipient Mousa Shanan Zayed. http://www.stansmithscontate.it/ . Clarkson had been dealing with an elbow injury in early January and will be out of action for at least one week. He has three goals and five assists through 36 games with the Leafs this season. Stan Smith Uomo Saldi . Belfort (24-10) needed just 77 seconds to down Henderson in the headlining bout of Saturdays "UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson" event at Goiania Arena in Goiania, Brazil. The fight served as a rematch of the pairs 2006 meeting, which Henderson won by decision. Stan Smith Scontate Uomo . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. Greater Western Sydneys 2017 premiership push has gathered steam, with Richmond signing off on a deal to send forward Brett Deledio to the AFL expansion club.The Giants sealed the deal for the talismanic forward in the final minutes of the AFL trade window on Thursday.But they could have paid an almighty price, giving up an on-traded first-round draft pick, originally from Geelong, as well as their own third-round pick in the 2017 draft.Geelongs finishing position next year will determine the quality of the draft selection.Deledio requested a trade away from Punt Road late on Wednesday, with the two clubs landing the deal in the frantic final minutes of the window on Thursday.The two-time Richmond club champion heads north to help the expansion clubs quest for a premiership after falling at the second-last hurdle in 2016.Giants football boss Wayne Campbell said the 243-game player could be one of the final pieces of their premiership puzzle.His experience and leadership will be invaluable, Campbell said.Brett is unquestionably one of the competitions elite plaayers and has shown over a long period of time an ability to play a variety of roles which we think will complement our list well.ddddddddddddOur playing group has benefited in recent years from the addition of quality experienced players like (Heath) Shaw, (Shane) Mumford, (Steve) Johnson and (Ryan) Griffen.Bretts arrival continues this trend.In other trades completed on Thursday, the Giants sent trio Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett and Rhys Palmer to Carlton.While the Tigers lose one of their favourite sons, they have added quality to their midfield with the addition of Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia.Richmond football talent manager Dan Richardson said the club understood their vice-captains desire to move on.Bretts a fantastic player and has given our football club wonderful service for 12 seasons, he said.Toby Nankervis also joined the club during a busy trade period, with Ty Vickery exercising free agency rights to join Hawthorn. 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