The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback rotation will get a bit of a shakeup Sunday, as the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette reports backup quarterback Byron Leftwich will not play against the visiting Indianapolis Colts (8 p.m. ET on NBC), instead, Charlie Batch and Jerrod Johnson will split playing time after starter Ben Roethlisberger exits. SB Nation's Steelers blog, Behind The Steel Curtain, explains:
Leftwich got an extended look in Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia Aug. 9, and after taking a shot to the head by Eagles CB Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie (a hit that cost him $21,000), perhaps the Steelers decided it was a better time to give him a break.
More likely, it's just a competition between Batch and Johnson for the team's third quarterback position.
The news means Batch will play for the first time this season after not playing last Thursday, while Johnson will look to try to impress the Steelers coaches as he tries to hang on a roster spot.
The pressure is really more on Johnson, who must outplay Batch to stay with the team past the preseason and off its practice squad.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has commended Johnson on his work ethic and attitude, and he's preparing for this game with all intentions of proving he belongs.
For more on the Steelers, please be sure to check out our blog Behind The Steel Curtain and SB Nation Pittsburgh for all the latest news and updates.