Steelers claim Zach Mettenberger off waivers
Looks like Steelers fans will get their wish…at least when it comes to finding someone they’ll want to see move ahead of Landry Jones for the backup quarterback spot.
Several news outlets are reporting that Pittsburgh claimed backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger off of waivers on Wednesday, one day after he was released by the Chargers.
A sixth round pick by the Titans in the 2014 NFL Draft, Mettenberger spent two years in Tennessee, where he appeared in 14 games, started 10 and completed 208 of 345 passes for 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
The Titans released Mettenberger this past May, and the LSU-product was quickly picked up by San Diego. However, after failing to impress through the first three preseason games, he didn’t even make it past the first set of mandatory cuts.
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Along with news on Mettenberger came the announcement that veteran quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, a Pittsburgh native, will miss his second-straight season after being put on Injured Reserve. Gradkowski spent all of 2015 on IR after suffering a dislocated finger in a preseason game against the Eagles last August 23.
Unfortunately for him, shortly after making his 2016 preseason debut against the Lions on August 12, Gradkowski suffered a severe hamstring injury while attempting to run and never played another down this summer.
So what does this mean as it pertains to Pittsburgh’s backup quarterback situation behind Ben Roethlisberger? For now, it would appear the 6-5, 224 pound Mettenberger is inline to be the third-string passer behind Roethlisberger and fourth-year man Landry Jones.
It certainly doesn’t mean Mettenberger will have any chance at all of beating out Jones, who appears fairly safe as the No. 2, this despite drawing heavy criticism for his overall performance this preseason.
However, it is worth noting that Jones will be a free agent next year; if Mettenberger spends the entire 2016 season absorbing Todd Haley’s offense and soaking up all the knowledge he can from the guys he’s backing up–especially the franchise guy–he might get his shot to move up the depth chart next season, if the Steelers decide to part ways with Jones.
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