"The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for life -- or at least a few games -- without Ben Roethlisberger.

NFL.com and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the organization is bracing itself for a serious injury to the quarterback's right shoulder, according to someone briefed on the situation. The team is awaiting Tuesday's MRI results.

The original word on Roethlisberger's injury was that it was a sprain. NFL.com and NFL Network's Albert Breer reported Tuesday that doctors still lack clarity on the extent of the injury, according to a club source and a second source briefed on the situation. Roethlisberger remains in a considerable amount of pain.