Doctors in Pittsburgh said Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers quarterback, remains in serious but stable condition after Monday's motorcycle wreck.
He broke his jaw and nose in the crash. Doctors said the multiple facial fractures were successfully repaired during more than 7.5 hours of surgery. The lead surgeon said doctors didn't discover any other serious injuries.
Police said Roethlisberger wasn't wearing a helmet when his bike hit a car traveling in the opposite direction, which is perfectly legal in Pennsylvania. Roethlisberger was thrown from his bike on impact.
No charges have been filed. Published reports identify the car's driver as 62-year-old Martha Fleishman of Pittsburgh. Her husband said his wife, who was not injured, feels "terrible." He said he and his wife wish Roethlisberger "a speedy and complete recovery."
It's not yet known if the accident will affect his chances of playing for the Steelers this season.
Roethlisberger has said he likes to ride without a helmet, a habit that led to a stern lecture from Steelers coach Bill Cowher. Cowher warned his prized quarterback about the dangers of riding a motorcycle after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. tore up knee ligaments in a bike accident, causing him to miss an entire season.
The 24-year-old Roethlisberger helped guide the Steelers to the Super Bowl championship last season in only his second year of NFL action. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 2,385 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season, his second in the league.
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