From the way Tomlin talked, it sounds like he and the front office have an understanding from Ben's doctor that he will be ready to go next year. I don't think this is a real serious surgery. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he was given the option to rest it for a month or so or just get the surgery done cause he might need it anyhow. Getting Fitzpatrick is a sign that Colbert and Tomlin are going all in for the final 2 years of Ben's and their contracts. They will all retire after that IMO.
It does seem we're at the end of the road. Colbert on a one year contract, Tomlin year-to-year, Ben injured, questionable to return.
As far as injuries, the biggest bummer was Ryan Shazier going down. Nobody saw that coming, not Tomlin, not Colbert. He was by far our best draft pick of the past decade, and it gets taken away...like that.
Not sure about Ben's elbow 'injury.' Seems to me he just wanted to take some time off, get on the Playstation, spend more time with the kids. Throw a little suspense into the season, if you will. Kick back in the jacuzzi, eat a couple of hot dogs. Why not sit out a few games, nurse your arm a little? Ben will saunter out on the field mid-season, flex his biceps, and carry the team to victory....like Bettis did, in Detroit.
Perhaps the thinking in-house is that Ben's coming back, perhaps sooner than later. Like Sean Davis, he too is IR eligible to return. Crazier things have happened.
Take that with a grain of salt, as we've been posting Ben's obituary and retirement speech a mere 24 hours ago.
Fact is Ben's injured and will have surgery on that elbow. He's no spring chicken, no Jack LaLanne. I doubt he can jump back in a short amount of time. Miracles do happen, I'd proceed with caution. Nothing but love and respect for #7. If he can make it back and play another year or two, that would be more than awesome.
In the meantime Mason Rudolph is the man at the wheel. Rooting for the kid to shine.