The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely work out free agent quarterbacks this week, as backup Byron Leftwich might not be able to play after suffering a rib injury while filling in for Ben Roethlisberger.
Jason La Canfora of CBS reports that the Steelers are worried that Leftwich's injuries will keep him from playing next Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, although he did return to the game after taking a big hit Sunday night. Leftwich had been forced into a starting role when Roethlsiberger also suffered a rib injury last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Roethlisberger's rare rib injury threatens his aorta and could likely keep him out for up to a month. Byron Leftwich is also injured for the Pittsburgh Steelers, meaning the squad could have to start Charlie Batch Sunday against the Cleveland Browns and will likely sign a quarterback off the free agent market. Leftwich was 18-for-39 with a pick in his first start since 2009.
After those two, all Pittsburgh has on their roster is Charlie Batch, the 37-year-old longtime Steelers backup who has started seven games over the past ten seasons with Pittsburgh. If Leftwich is unable to go, the Steelers will probably turn to Batch, who is obviously familiar with the system. But even if they don't, they will need to sign somebody off of the free agent market, as entering a regular season NFL game with less than two quarterbacks on an active roster is a recipe for disaster.