Steelers place Batch on injured reserve

Saturday, August 30, 2008
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers have decided to place veteran quarterback Charlie Batch on the injured reserve list, ending his season and ensuring that Byron Leftwich will be the top backup to Ben Roethlisberger the remainder of the year.

Also, the team has decided to release wide receiver Willie Reid, a former third-round draft choice, and former Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond as part of the cuts that will be announced later today by Coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers have to get to a mandatory 53 players by 6 p.m. today.

As part of the process, the team is considering a trade that would involve one of their veteran backup offensive linemen -- tackle Max Starks, center Sean Mahan and tackle Trai Essex.

Batch, 33, had surgery to repair a broken right collarbone after he was injured in the team's first preseason game Aug. 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His contact with the Steelers expires at the end of the season, but he will still be paid his $1.355 million salary this season, even on IR.