PITTSBURGH -- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not break two toes on his right foot during the AFC championship game, as he claims he did, according to Steelers coach Bill Cowher.

"We are unaware of any problems with his toes, OK?" Cowher said Wednesday at his season-ending press conference.

One day earlier, Roethlisberger told reporters that he suffered the injury shortly before halftime of the 41-27 loss to New England on Sunday night.

Roethlisberger didn't specify which toes were hurt, but said it happened while he was running away from a defender.

"Ben does not have broken toes," Cowher said. "At the end of the first half, while scrambling, he aggravated some toes that he has broken in the past. He mentioned something to Ryan Grove, our assistant trainer. He said he may have broken his toes. He came off (the field), he said he was fine, and he went back out in the second half and did not say anything to anybody else for the rest of the game."

Cowher said he met with Roethlisberger on Monday and the quarterback never mentioned the injury. Also, nothing showed up during an end-of-season physical exam on Tuesday, Cowher said.

"I talked to Ben last night to make sure that I heard it straight from his mouth, so that is that," Cowher said. "He never broke his toes this season. He said it was something that he has had in the past in high school and college."

No medical attention will be required, according to the coach.

"It's nothing that a little bit of rest won't take care of," Cowher said. "It's sore."

---

Message Board: Talk About The Steelers

---

Roethlisberger actually played better with the injury. He threw for 77 yards and two interceptions in the first half, but had 149 yards and two touchdowns after that.

Video

Loss Brings Ward To Tears Cowher Press Conference Fan Reaction

The Steelers' 18-game season took its toll on the rookie Roethlisberger, who said he began to tire physically and mentally as his first NFL campaign wore on.

But Roethlisberger said the experience will help him in future seasons, and Cowher agreed.

"Ben is like everybody -- it's a long year," Cowher said. "It's a long year for a rookie, it's a grind and there's no way you can prepare for it. To the kid's credit, he stayed out there and stayed focused. Ben was just being very honest with you guys, but it's something everybody is going through."