The Steelers quarterback problems just became worse on the finale pre-season matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Byron Leftwich sprained his left knee in the second quarter as the Steelers defeated Carolina 19-3 on Thursday evening. Ben Roethlisberger will be out for at least four games after having his suspension reduced from the initial six game suspension.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated that Byron Leftwich would have to undergo an MRI on Friday, but Leftwich's teammates did not sound positive about the seriousness of the injury. Third string quarterback Charlie Batch described it as what appears to be a “serious” injury, and Dennis Dixon that he was not able to talk to Leftwich due to the fact that doctors were working on hid knee so intensely.

“It’s an opportunity, I guess, but it’s unfortunate for Byron Leftwich for what he went through. But this team has to continue to go forward,” said Dixon, who has started only one NFL game. “I know once he’s going to come back he’s going to give us nothing but tremendous support.”

As Dixon talked to reporters, Ben Roethlisberger offered words of encouragement to his teammates. Roethlisberger met Friday with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about his suspension for off-field behavior problems.

“It’s very tough, kind of emotional,” said Roethlisberger, who is not allowed to practice with the Steelers while serving his suspension. “I’ve just got to go do what I’ve got to do.”

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox knew what he had to do to avoid injury in a meaningless game, and that is why he rested his starting lineup. Not only did starting quarterback Matt Moore not play, backup Jimmy Clausen also didn’t get off the bench, and with predictable results.

“I think the key was getting our starters ready and healthy,” said Fox, whose team opens Sept. 12 against the Giants. “We did not want to risk anyone getting nicked up and we will be ready to go full speed ahead for New York.”

Carolina’s offense ended the preseason the way it began it with no touchdowns as No. 3 quarterback Hunter Cantwell (6 of 9, 36 yards) and No. 4 Tony Pike (10 of 18, 44 yards) took all the snaps. The Panthers’ only touchdowns while losing three of four preseason games came from their defense and special teams.

“It’s tough from a statistics standpoint, but we know as an offense we can score points,” running back Mike Goodson said.

Leftwich (4 of 6, 39 yards) was hurt on an 18-yard completion to Emmanuel Sanders as running back Mewelde Moore and safety Marcus Hudson collided near him with 10:25 remaining in the first half. Leftwich immediately clutched his knee in pain.

Leftwich was examined by team doctors on a stretcher behind the Steelers’ bench, then limped into a nearby tunnel that leads to the locker room. As Leftwich was being helped off, Tomlin immediately lifted Dixon, who completed his only pass for a 23-yard touchdown to rookie Emmanuel Sanders.

While Carolina’s starters never saw the field, most of Pittsburgh’s regulars played into the second quarter, and there were starters on the field when Leftwich was hurt.

Batch, the longtime backup who looked to be in danger of not making the roster, played the final 2 1/2 quarters and handed off on nearly every play. Batch attempted only four passes.

Jeff Reed accounted for most of the scoring with field goals of 33, 43, 31 and 32 yards.

Despite opposing Carolina backups, Pittsburgh’s starters went three-and-out and Roethlisberger was knocked off his feet twice during the opening series. Roethlisberger completed passes of 16 yards to Arnaz Battle and 13 to Heath Miller on the second drive before spending the rest of the game wearing a ballcap turned backward and a towel around his neck.

Nearly six months ago, there was considerable speculation how Roethlisberger would be received by Steelers fans upset with his behavior. As it turned out, there were merely shrugs the first time he took the field in Pittsburgh. With Heinz Field barely half-filled on a 93-degree evening—though the announced crowd was 52,130—there was no reaction when Roethlisberger led the offense onto the field. Just as during training camp, where Roethlisberger was warmly received, fans appear to be focusing on the upcoming season rather than the quarterback’s off-field behavior.

Asked if it will be tough watching his teammates on television, Roethlisberger said, “Absolutely"