Steelers release QB Leftwich to make roster room has 1 comments

Sep 18th 2010, 23:40 | FFN-Score: 36 points

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich and activated defensive end Steve McLendon from the practice squad, the team announced Saturday.

The Steelers acknowledged that the move was done to open up a roster spot, and Leftwich will likely be re-signed.

"Done for D-line depth. Expect Leftwich back next week," the team tweeted.

Leftwich sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the Steelers' final preseason game Sept. 2. He went through a full practice for the first time Friday.

With Leftwich sidelined, third-year veteran Dennis Dixon started the Steelers' season-opening 15-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.

It was Dixon's second NFL start and his first since Nov. 29 at Baltimore. He finished 18 of 26 for 236 yards with an interception and had several other potential interceptions dropped.

If Leftwich is re-signed, he could be ready to play as early as Sept. 26 at Tampa Bay, where he played last season, but whether he does might depend on how Dixon does against the Titans on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.