Steelers’ QB Leftwich sprains MCL, Dixon to start week one
The Pittsburgh Steelers will now not only be without Ben Roethlisberger for four games, but his backup Byron Leftwich will be out for a while as well. Leftwich suffered a sprained MCL in Pittsburgh’s final pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers. Leftwich was expected to be the starter while Roethlisberger serves his four-game suspension but all of a sudden, the Steelers are really thin at quarterback.
The Steelers don’t know how long Leftwich will be out. The team is now down to Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch at quarterback and will have to sign another to fill the roster.
Leftwich’s teammates showed concern as doctors surrounded him on the sideline, working on the injured knee. Roethlisberger offered him some words of support and Dixon expressed his concern for Leftwich. While it may be beneficial for Dixon as he should now be the starter, it’s sad to see a team-mate go down.
"It's an opportunity, I guess, but it's unfortunate for Byron for what he went through," said Dixon, who has started only one NFL game. "But this team has to continue to go forward. I know once he's going to come back, he's going to give us nothing but tremendous support."
The Steelers traded for Leftwich in the off-season to add depth at quarterback when Roethlisberger was suspended. Leftwich was a part of the 2008 Super Bowl winning team as the backup before leaving for Tampa Bay in free agency. The Steelers re-acquired him mainly because they were familiar with him and he has filled in for Roethlisberger before.
Dixon was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. Dixon was a spectator throughout his rookie season as the third string quarterback behind Roethlisberger and Leftwich. He made his first career start in Week 12 last season against the Baltimore Ravens. Dixon threw for 145 yards with one touchdown, one interception and also ran for a touchdown in a losing effort, 20-17 in overtime.
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