Byron Leftwich
Veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich is out of a job — at least temporarily.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers have released Leftwich in order to make room on the active roster for defensive tackle Steve McLendon. McLendon will help fill-in for nose tackle Casey Hampton, who will miss tomorrow’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a hamstring injury.
Leftwich won’t be unemployed for long; Pittsburgh is expected to re-sign him on Monday or Tuesday when Hampton should be healthy enough to get back in the starting lineup. Because he was on the Week 1 roster, Leftwich’s salary is already fully guaranteed for the season so this transaction won’t affect him financially.
For now, the Steelers will do battle with only two active quarterbacks – starter Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch.
UPDATE (9/20): As expected, Leftwich has re-joined the team and could start this Sunday against the Bucs.
