National Football League

Big Ben slowly picking up new offense

Published Jun. 7, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

In what can be interpreted as another visible manifestation of his aversion to change, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wore a No. 78 jersey for the team's final offseason training activity on Thursday.

Roethlisberger said he eschewed his regular No. 7 ''in honor of'' former Steelers left tackle Max Starks, who tore a knee ligament during the January playoff loss in Denver and remains unsigned. It's the second consecutive season Roethlisberger made such a public suggestion to the organization to bring back his teammate and friend.

Such a move is not unlike the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback's subtle references in recent weeks on adapting to a new offense. Roethlisberger has repeatedly made it clear he was apprehensive about the transition from former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians — a close friend — to that of Todd Haley, former coach of the Chiefs.

As he walked off Heinz Field wearing the old and tattered jersey Thursday, Roethlisberger said he and the rest of the offense have ''made progress'' digesting the new terminology.

That's about it, though.