Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was apparently knocked momentarily unconscious and left Sunday's game against Atlanta after being hit by three Falcons defenders while throwing a pass in the third quarter.

Roethlisberger appeared to receive a helmet-to-helmet hit in the face mask from defensive end Chauncey Davis immediately after releasing the pass, which was dropped by Hines Ward with 7:40 left in the third. Defensive end Patrick Kerney and linebacker Ed Hartwell also hit the quarterback on the play.

Roethlisberger was face down and motionless for several minutes before being rolled over onto his back by trainers.

Roethlisberger finally was able to sit up and then walk off the field with the assistance of the trainers.

He was taken to the sideline, where he sat on the bench as backup quarterback Charlie Batch entered the game. Minutes later, Roethlisberger was taken to the locker room on a cart.

There was no immediate report on his injury or status.

Roethlisberger already has overcome a June motorcycle accident and a Sept. 3 appendectomy. He was 16-for-22 passing for 238 yards and three touchdowns before leaving the game.