Larger text
Smaller text
Leftwich's injuries mean Batch will likely start
By Alan Robinson
Published: Monday, November 19, 2012, 5:18 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich broke two ribs and injured a shoulder during his first start since 2009, meaning No. 3 quarterback Charlie Batch almost certainly will start Sunday in Cleveland.
Leftwich told the Tribune-Review on Monday that he injured his ribs and the shoulder during the Steelers' 13-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night at Heinz Field.
An MRI test taken shortly thereafter revealed the broken ribs, according to a source close to Leftwich.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin initially shrugged off the injury, saying, “He sustained some hits, but that's football.”
Leftwich is expected to be out indefinitely, as is starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will miss a second straight game with a dislocated upper rib and an upper chest/shoulder injury that occurred during the Steelers' 16-13 overtime win over the Chiefs last Monday.
The Steelers are holding out hope Roethlisberger might be able to return for the Ravens rematch Dec. 2 in Baltimore, but doctors have estimated that the Steelers star will be out three to six weeks.
Batch would be the Steelers' third starting quarterback in three games.
The team did not have any immediate comment about the latest Leftwich injury.
Leftwich's rib injury occurred when he was sacked by Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger for a 7-yard loss and on a third-and-10 play during the Steelers' third possession. Shortly before that, Leftwich apparently injured his shoulder landing hard in the end zone to complete his 31-yard touchdown run less than a minute into the game.
Batch, 5-2 as a starter for the Steelers, last played when he filled in for Roethlisberger to beat the St. Louis Rams, 27-0, on Dec. 24. Batch went 15 of 22 for 208 yards, no touchdowns, an interception and a 68.2 rating.
He also beat Tampa Bay and lost to Baltimore as starter while filling in during Roethlisberger's four-game suspension to start the 2010 season.
Leftwich's latest injury continues a trouble-prone career for the No. 7 pick in the 2003 NFL draft.
He missed the second half of the 2009 season with Tampa Bay because of an arm injury. He was expected to replace Roethlisberger to start the 2010 season, only to injure a knee in the final preseason game. In 2011, he was lost for the season when he broke his left arm in a preseason game against the Falcons.
The Steelers will need to add a backup quarterback for Sunday. Jerrod Johnson, the former Texas A&M quarterback who was with them during training camp, is a possibility.
Alan Robinson is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at arobinson@tribweb.com.
Most Popular Steelers
- Steelers rookie safety Thomas learning from Polamalu, Clark
- Rookie running back Bell vows to protect Big Ben
- Robinson: 10 Steelers storylines to keep tabs on
- Steelers breaking in top pick Jones slowly
- Miller believes tight end position in good hands
- Steelers defensive lineman Keisel hosts kids for day of fishing
- Steelers’ Roethlisberger downplays knee surgery
- Steelers notebook: Roethlisberger throws; 4th-round pick Jones signs
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
At least they stand a chance with Batch. Jerrod Johnson looked good in pre-season, hope they sign him quick so he can get some reps this week. They can't afford to lose against a division rival again...especially the Browns. Maybe JJ is that young backup that's content being a backup that we've been looking for? Leftwich can't make it through a full game and batch isn't getting any younger.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
