Byron Leftwich, the presumptive starter at quarterback while Roethlisberger serves a likely four-game suspension, played sparingly in the final Steelers’ preseason game.
And that could be a major cause of concern for the Steelers.
Leftwich left the game early in the second quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return to the Steelers’ 19-3 win against the Panthers at Heinz Field.
With the Steelers announcing final cuts as early as today — they have until 6 p.m. Saturday to finalize their 53-man roster — the last thing the organization needs is more concerns at quarterback.
If Leftwich’s early exit heaped more heaped more uncertainty on the Steelers’ quarterback situation, what happened after that added more intrigue to the most discussed topic in Pittsburgh.
Dennis Dixon replaced Leftwich for all of three plays and didn’t return after tossing a 23-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Charlie Batch took over for Dixon, and the Steelers ran 13 consecutive running plays, including three on third down, before attempting a pass.
The injury to Leftwich — it looked like another player, possibly a teammate, kicked him in his lower leg — and the strange sequence that followed may have been a fitting end to what has been an atypical preseason when it comes to the Steelers’ quarterbacks.
Coach Mike Tomlin has had the unique if not unprecedented task of getting three quarterbacks to ready to play because of Roethlisberger’s suspension.
The Steelers should at least get some clarity, to use one of Tomlin’s favorite words, Friday when it comes to Roethlisberger.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to announce after meeting with Roethlisberger in New York how much of a four-to-six game suspension he will have to serve.
Roethlisberger started his third consecutive preseason game Thursday night, and he left the contest on a positive note.
Seeing his final action until the middle of October, Roethlisberger completed four of six passes for 39 yards, and he got the opportunity to run the no-huddle offense with the rest of the starters.
Leftwich completed 2 of 4 passes for 43 yards, while Dixon completed his only pass attempt for 23 yards.
The Steelers finished the preseason with a 3-1 record.
Rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer, who is making a late push for a roster spot, led the Steelers in rushing with 86 yards on 20 carries. He led the Steelers in rushing against the Broncos last Sunday.
The Steelers open the regular season Sept. 12 against the visiting Falcons.
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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Wow, he didn’t even get to the regular season. Where’s Gus Frerotte when you need him?