Charlie Batch Out Six Weeks, Dennis Dixon Next in Line

When Ben Roethlisberger was injured in overtime of the loss to Kansas City, the announcer stated that Charlie Batch was one of the best backups in the NFL.

Not anymore.

According to ESPN and profootballtalk.com , Batch suffered a wrist injury, which will require surgery. Batch will be out for four to six weeks.

Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the injury to Roethlisberger is "concussion related." Even though Roethlisberger said after the game he would "be fine," the Steelers' depth at the position has taken a serious setback.

If Roethlisberger is unable to play against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night, that would put the ball in the hands of second-year pro Dennis Dixon.

In his senior season at Oregon, Dixon was leading the Ducks to an undefeated season and was one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. However, with two games left in the season, Dixon suffered a torn ACL, ending his year.

At the time, he was believed to have first round potential but fell to the Steelers in the fifth round. Dixon has worked hard to keep his roster spot and may finally get a chance to show what he can do in a real football game.

The one thing that Dixon brings to the table that Roethlisberger and Batch don't is amazing speed. He has speed similar to that of the young Mike Vick, though he does not have the arm strength.

Either way, Dixon may be getting his first start of the year, and he may be doing so against a Baltimore Ravens team that will be fighting for their playoff lives.