As per the team’s official website, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is scheduled to have surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm this week and will miss the rest of the 2019 regular season.

Below is the official statement issued on Monday by head coach Mike Tomlin on Steelers.com:

“Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday evening and it was determined by the Steelers’ medical team that surgery will be required. We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week. He will be placed on our Reserved/Injured List and is out for the season.”

Roethlisberger, who completed eight of 15 passes for 75 yards in the Steelers 28-26 loss to the Seahawks at Heinz Field on Sunday, was in visible pain after attempting several throws late in the second quarter, didn’t play in the second half.

In his place, second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Rudolph, who won the backup quarterback job with his improved play throughout the preseason, is now slated to start the rest of the year.

Many have wondered if Rudolph, who the Steelers traded up to select in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has what it takes to be a true heir apparent to Roethlisberger. Now, he will have what amounts to a 14-week job interview to show the Steelers what he is capable of.

Rudolph will get the first start of his career this Sunday afternoon, as the Steelers travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in a Week 3 match-up.