Steelers release Leftwich, plan to re-sign him

[stillers4me]

by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Last updated: 4:27 pm


In a procedural move, the Steelers today released quarterback Byron Leftwich and signed defensive lineman Steve McLendon from the practice squad.

The Steelers signed McLendon to address a lack of depth on the defensive line for the game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Nose tackle Casey Hampton will not play because of an injury.

Leftwich, who missed the first game with a knee injury, is expected to be re-signed next week. When healthy, he is expected to be the starting quarterback until Ben Roethlisberger returns from a four-game suspension.
McLendon, an undrafted free agent, spent last season on the Steelers' practice squad.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_700248.html

[SirHulka]

Ya think maybe the Cards will make him an offer??

(He'll be back next week.)

[The Duke]

McClendon must really have impressed much more than harris and worthinton

Pretty funny that lefty has a chance to be a starter next week and he's a FA the week prior

I sure hope no one makes a dick move and picks him up though....

[Craic]

McClendon must really have impressed much more than harris and worthinton

Pretty funny that lefty has a chance to be a starter next week and he's a FA the week prior

I sure hope no one makes a dick move and picks him up though....

Something tells me that he wouldn't do it either way. Rather, I have a feeling that Batch is going to be released real soon, and Lefty might settle into a long-term backup position.

[SirHulka]

If I understand right, he doesn't have to go through waivers yet.

Something about a vested veteran, and the time frame.

[stillers4me]

The Pittsburgh Steelers via FB:

The move involving Byron Leftwich is one to add temporary defensive line depth -- Steve McLendon -- in advance of a game against a team that has RB Chris Johnson. Leftwich is a vested veteran and therefore is not waived. He is released. This means he cannot be "claimed" by another team. He is free to sign with any team, and that figures to be the Steelers early next week.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Kind of an odd move. I thought Hoke, Smith, Keisel, Eason, Ziggy would be sufficient depth.

[SirHulka]

The Pittsburgh Steelers via FB:

The move involving Byron Leftwich is one to add temporary defensive line depth -- Steve McLendon -- in advance of a game against a team that has RB Chris Johnson. Leftwich is a vested veteran and therefore is not waived. He is released. This means he cannot be "claimed" by another team. He is free to sign with any team, and that figures to be the Steelers early next week.

I think that's good until the trading deadline passes. Then even the vested vets have to clear waivers.

[LLT]

Kind of an odd move. I thought Hoke, Smith, Keisel, Eason, Ziggy would be sufficient depth.

They need depth at NT if Hampton isnt playing. Some of their defensive alignments have both Hampton and Hoke in at the same time.

[smokin3000gt]

They might as well since they have the coaches and everyone else from Pittsburgh.

I have to say, except for the SB I do root for the Cards. Ken is a stand up dude and I like the way he carries himself and how he coaches.

[HometownGal]

They might as well since they have the coaches and everyone else from Pittsburgh.

I have to say, except for the SB I do root for the Cards. Ken is a stand up dude and I like the way he carries himself and how he coaches.

I used to totally admire Wis but lost a lot of respect for him after he tried to copycat the Steelers. For God's sake - be your own man and create your OWN TEAM!

Lefty will be back - I read earlier today that the move was made to make room on the roster for a DL off the PS because of Big Snack being out.

[venom]

Ya think maybe the Cards will make him an offer??

(He'll be back next week.)

Next week ??? He'll be back 5 minutes after the Steelers/Titans game goes final , lol

[Psycho Ward 86]

I used to totally admire Wis but lost a lot of respect for him after he tried to copycat the Steelers. For God's sake - be your own man and create your OWN TEAM!

Isn't the entire idea of being a coach just to win at all costs? Why should he care if people criticize him for picking up his old players? We should all be flattered that he considers the Steelers' brand of football (and its players) a winning concept. Good for you Whiz.

[klick81]

Isn't the entire idea of being a coach just to win at all costs? Why should he care if people criticize him for picking up his old player. We should all be flattered that he considers the Steelers' brand of football (and its players) a winning concept. Good for you Whiz.

I was just gonna say this. Although he did piss me off in the SB with his attitude on the sidelines, I have no problem with him COPYING what the Steelers do. We all know who the original is!

[steelreserve]

Kind of an odd move. I thought Hoke, Smith, Keisel, Eason, Ziggy would be sufficient depth.

Five guys is pushing your luck a little too much. If even one of them twists an ankle, falls awkwardly under the pile, gets banged up any of the 10,000 ways that happen to linemen every game ... then you're down to only one substitute. That would be a problem. Better to do this and not risk it.

[steelerdude15]

I heard something about Lefty getting picked up by next week with us.

[Craic]

Nevermind... stupid post.

[HometownGal]

Isn't the entire idea of being a coach just to win at all costs? Why should he care if people criticize him for picking up his old players? We should all be flattered that he considers the Steelers' brand of football (and its players) a winning concept. Good for you Whiz.

I still think he's a copycat and should be his own MAN. I'm sure he doesn't give two flying fandoozles what I or anyone else thinks, but I'm still going to state how I feel about him. Sorry.

I, too, think Botch will be cut when Ben returns but who really knows? If that happens, I really hope they can find a spot for him on the coaching staff.

[Butch]

Glad to hear that this is temporary I like having Lefty as a back up. I also agree that if anyone is cut it is Charlie and I like him as well so hopefully he does become a coach with us.

As for Wiz I like the guy and am willing to bet that the reason he brings so many ex's over is because he loves the attitude we have. I bet he want to instill that same attitude in his players. Things like the team 1st approach, teaching younger players everything you know, vs holding back because you don't feel secure. He's got to know that we pretty much keep the players worth keeping so what else could it be? Hell they even gave us back B-Mac after one season so I can forgive any past transgressions. Nice to have someone out there like that. Besides Phoenix is a good retirement community.

[Galax Steeler]

Nothing major here we will see Lefty next week and probably will be starting for us which I don't understand if he Dixon plays well why not leave him in there.

[Buckinnuts]

let him go on his way. Dixon will be fine and we have Charlie . See ya LEDSLED!

[Chidi29]

Yep, not a big deal. No one else on the team has really played NT in games. McClendon is really undersized, but he does have experience there.

Leftwich will be back. Just like Eason and Redman last year.

[zulater]

I guess with him being released Lefty is free to associate with Ben for the weekend? :tongue: