Starting offense will play first quarter

Starting offense will play first quarter
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August 28
Pittsburgh Tribune Review


"Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the starting offense will play the first quarter of tonight's final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field. Expect to see plenty of reserve quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon over the final three quarters, coach Mike Tomlin said. "We are going to play (Dixon) and Byron a bunch," Tomlin said. Last week against Minnesota, Leftwich played the entire seasond half, while Dixon did not see any action.

• Tomlin said the battle for the fourth receiver spot remains open between rookie Limas Sweed, Dallas Baker and Willie Reid. "Those guys have had good moments and they have had moments that have not been as good," Tomlin said. "This is a hotly contested battle, and one that may be waged (tonight) and might ultimately decide how those spots unfold." The Steelers are expected to keep at least five receivers.

Linebackers Larry Foote (knee) and Mike Humpal (stingers) didn't practice yesterday and will not play tonight. Safety Ryan Mundy (ankle) didn't practice and Tomlin said he is "questionable."

• Former Pitt standout Jeff Otah, 19th-overall selection in this year's NFL Draft, is listed on the depth chart as the starting right tackle for Carolina. Former Steelers defensive back Ricardo Colclough is listed as the starting right cornerback for the Panthers."