Dale Lolley reports that Charlie Batch will start at quarterback in the Steelers' last preseason game, against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday at 8:00 PM. Dennis Dixon will play after he does. Ben Roethlisberger will sit out the entire game.
With the loss of Byron Leftwich to injury, the Steelers still need to decide whether Batch or Dixon will be their starting quarterback.
Batch would appear to have the leg up to be Roethlisberger's primary backup, but there is also some concern among the coaching staff about having Batch play behind the third-string offensive line, which also factored into the decision to give him the start.
The staff feels Dixon is better able to escape pressure behind what is not a very good unit.
Roethlisberger isn't the only Steeler who won't play. Ike Taylor, Jerricho Cotchery and Chris Carter will also sit, and Troy Polamalu, Maurkice Pouncey, James Farrior, Casey Hampton and Bryant McFadden are unlikely to see the field.
Via Steelers Depot.