The Steelers thought they might have to wait until after the final preseason cuts to find a No. 3 quarterback. Turns out, they didn't have to wait that long.
Concerned that veteran Bruce Gradkowski had become injury prone, the Steelers claimed former Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger off waivers and plan to use him as their No. 3 quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones.
Mettenberger, 25, was released Tuesday by the San Diego Chargers, who signed him after he was released during the offseason by the Titans. A sixth-round draft choice in 2014, Mettenberger started 10 games in two seasons with the Titans, throwing 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions but never winning a game.
To make room for Mettenberger, the Steelers placed Gradkowski, 33, on injured reserve, ending his season and possibly his career with his hometown team.
Gradkowski sustained a severe hamstring injury in the first preseason game after missing all of last season with a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He was not scheduled to return from his latest setback until at least the second game of the regular season. But the Steelers were concerned about his durability and reliability because Gradkowski has been injured on each of his last three series, dating to last season.
