Before Steeler fans lament the possible ending of Ben Roethlisberger’s career, remember how it began.

Tommy Maddox went down with a sprained elbow during the second week of the 2004 season. He would be sidelined until November of that year.

That left Roethlisberger — the 11th overall pick in the 2004 draft, but still an untested rookie — as the Steelers starting quarterback. Veteran Charlie Batch would have stepped into that role, but he was lost for the year due to a preseason knee injury.

Roethlisberger threw an interception in Miami with his first pass as a starter in Week 3 15 years ago. Mason Rudolph threw an interception early in his relief role on Sunday, his first regular season action as an NFL quarterback.

Roethlisberger went down with an elbow injury, as did Maddox, though Ben’s injury is more serious.

Being a first-round draft choice, Roethlisberger was considered to have more upside when he took over as a starter. The Steelers were planning on drafting an offensive lineman in the first round in 2004, but were surprised Roethlisberger was still available and snatched him up with that 11th pick.

The Steelers weren’t planning on taking Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 draft. They were surprised he was still available — Pittsburgh had Rudolph projected to be picked much earlier — so they selected him in Round 3.

Maddox was upset when the Steelers drafted Roethlisberger. Ben was upset when the Steelers drafted Rudolph.

No player wants to see his potential successor arrive while he is still the starter — especially at quarterback.

What happened in 2004 is well-documented. The Steelers reeled off a franchise-record 14 consecutive wins, became the first AFC team to go 15-1 and advanced to the AFC title game.

Of course, that team had a staunch defense and solid running game with Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley. This year’s team has not proven it has either of those.

Yet a number of veteran Steelers in 2004 — most notably guard Alan Faneca — openly expressed their dismay over the prospects of playing with a rookie quarterback when Maddox went down.

This year’s Steelers are rallying around Rudolph.

Bill Cowher described rookie Roethisberger as “not being overwhelmed by being a starting NFL quarterback and embracing the pressure accompanying it.”

Mike Tomlin is saying similar things about Rudolph.

This is not to say Mason Rudolph will go on to become the next Ben Roethlisberger.

But this may not be an impending disaster, either.

Do what Steeler fans had to do 15 years ago.

Give the kid a chance.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle