We promise we didn't intend to jinx Ben Roethlisberger when we put him at the top of our NFL MVP leaderboard just days before he suffered a knee injury during the Steelers' loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
But, of course, a star player's true value is realized most in his absence.
Roethlisberger, 34, was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee Sunday and was scheduled to have surgery Monday. He already has been ruled out for next week's home game against the Patriots, but no timetable has been set otherwise for his return.