Steelers sign QB Leftwich

LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA (TICKER) —The Pittsburgh Steelers found their backup quarterback Sunday, signing veteran Byron Leftwich to a one-year contract.

The Steelers were in need of a backup to Ben Roethlisberger after veteran Charlie Batch suffered a broken collarbone in the team’s exhibition opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.

Leftwich, the seventh overall pick of the 2003 draft and a former starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has played in just nine games the last two seasons. He played in just three games for the Atlanta Falcons last season, throwing for 279 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.

Leftwich threw for 44 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Jaguars before suffering an ankle injury in 2006. He has not been the same player since.

Also in need of a punter after Daniel Sepulveda went down with a torn right ACL, the Steelers signed 13-year veteran Mitch Berger to a one-year contract Sunday.

Berger, 36, who is joining his sixth team, spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals.