PITTSBURGH — Byron Leftwich has already shown the Steelers he can finish. He might get the chance Sunday to prove he can start.
With starter Ben Roethlisberger’s status for Sunday’s game against the Colts uncertain because of his reinjured right shoulder, the Steelers could give Leftwich his first start since Nov. 18 with Atlanta.
Roethlisberger underwent an MRI exam Tuesday, but the Steelers did not immediately release the results. He reinjured his separated right shoulder on a quarterback sneak near the end of the second quarter Monday night.
Leftwich took over to set up a touchdown with a long completion on his first throw, threw for a score and led another TD drive during a 23-6 win in Washington.
Leftwich’s statistics for a short but productive night’s work: 7-of-10 for 129 yards, no interceptions and one satisfied locker room as the Steelers preserved their AFC North lead.
“He made a lot of friends in there,” coach Mike Tomlin said.
Meanwhile, tight end Heath Miller (ankle) is doubtful for Indianapolis, but Tomlin said safety Ryan Clark (shoulder) could return after missing one game.
Raiders Walker, Hall on way out?
Raiders owner Al Davis and other front-office personnel met to discuss the possibility of purging the roster of several high-profile players, including cornerback DeAngelo Hall and wide receiver Javon Walker, who has recorded 13 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown.
The Raiders also placed outside linebacker Robert Thomas on the injured-reserve list with an ailing hamstring and signed linebacker Marquis Cooper.
Footnotes.
Quarterback Daunte Culpepper passed his physical and signed with the Lions — and could play Sunday against the Jaguars if Dan Orlovsky’s thumb injury keeps him sidelined.
• The Rams placed wide receiver Drew Bennett (leg) and wide receiver/kick returner Dante Hall (ankle) on injured reserve, signed running back Samkon Gado and promoted rookie linebacker David Vobora from the practice squad to replace Chris Draft (foot).
• Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel will miss at least another two weeks and could potentially be out for the rest of the season with a left foot injury. He is to meet with a specialist in North Carolina today.
Denver Post wire services
