PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger was released from a hospital late Wednesday night after spending more than two days recovering from facial injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident.

The Steelers quarterback left Mercy Hospital around 11:30 p.m., said team spokesman Dave Lockett. It was unclear where he went, Lockett said.

Doctors had encouraging words Wednesday about Roethlisberger, whose motorcycle collided with a car at a Pittsburgh intersection Monday morning. A second round of tests again showed no brain injuries, although he has a concussion.

Because Roethlisberger's multiple facial fractures, broken nose and broken upper and lower jaw are being held in place by screws and 2-inch titanium plates, he can eat soft foods — and not be restricted to liquids — during an estimated six to eight week recovery period.

"We take a titanium plate, bend it and adapt it to the contours of the facial bones and then secure it in place with screws," surgeon Daniel Pituch said. "This kind of state-of-the-art technology allowed us to successfully treat Mr. Roethlisberger's facial fractures."

As a result, the 240-pound Roethlisberger probably won't lose as much weight as he would have on an all-liquid diet. The Steelers have not given a timetable for his return, but they are optimistic he will be ready for their Sept. 7 opener against Miami.