Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-2): Final Preseason Game Means Last Opportunity To Shine For Players On The Fringe

The countdown to the start of the 2010 NFL regular season is officially on. Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are focused for the time being however on their final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers tonight at Heinz Field. Though Tomlin & Co. really just hope to get through this game injury-free, there are still several roster spots up for grabs. Who knows if Tomlin and Bruce Arians have made up their minds about who will be the starting quarterback for the opener against Atlanta Falcons two Sundays from now. If they have not, tonight represents the last chance for Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich to differentiate themselves from one another. Spots along the offensive line, in the secondary and on special teams are still likely up for grabs, so don't expect the six-time Super Bowl champions to just be going through the motions tonight. Too much still at stake.

Above all else, however, let's hope for a clean, injury-free game for both squads. Stay tuned for more updates as the game unfolds both here and at Behind the Steel Curtain.