Gerry Dulac writes that just like last year, an injury to Byron Leftwich before the start of the season has moved Dennis Dixon up the depth chart. This time, he’s their third quarterback instead of their fourth, and it appears unlikely he’ll be traded. Leftwich might be back at some point this season, however.
The Steelers have not updated Leftwich’s condition, but a source told the Post-Gazette his injury is not season-ending.
“It’s tough,” Dixon said. “That’s why you got to play the preseason games. You have to have a dress rehearsal for everybody. Unfortunately, that’s the way it went.”
It appears that in Leftwich’s absence, Charlie Batch will be the Steelers’ backup quarterback, and Dixon will be third. I wonder if, ironically, Leftwich’s injury might mean Dixon will play less against the Carolina Panthers. Dixon was supposed to play a fair amount as the Steelers shopped him around to other teams, but since Batch didn’t play against the Falcons, the Steelers may want him to play a fair amount against the Panthers.
For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.