The Pittsburgh Steelers were already without their starting
quarterback Ben Roethlisberger when they took on the Baltimore Ravens Sunday
night, and now the team has announced it will likely starter third-stringer
Charlie Batch against the Cleveland Browns due to Byron Leftwich’s fractured
ribs.
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Leftwich’s inability to get the ball out quickly coupled
with the Steelers’ lackluster offensive line resulted in fractured ribs for the
quarterback. He was hit hard several times and following one especially rough
blindside sack it appeared he would come out of the game.
However, Leftwich remained in the contest, but you could
tell he wasn’t himself. The Steelers were hesitant to go to Batch, but now they
have no choice as Leftwich is unlikely to play and there remains no timetable
for Roethlisberger’s return. He sustained a sprained shoulder and a rib injury
that got dangerously close to his aorta during the team’s contest against the
Kansas City Chiefs.
Other Steelers were injured against the Ravens; defensive
end Ziggy Hood (back), running backs Isaac Redman (concussion) and Baron Batch
(foot) and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (rib).
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