Steelers coach Mike Tomlin recently went on the record in saying Dennis Dixon was in line to take some first-team reps, and he’s staying true to his word.

It also was noteworthy when Tomlin said Dixon would have to take the starting quarterback job if he wanted it. We’re about to see if that happens.

On Wednesday, Tomlin revealed Dixon will indeed take reps with the first-team offense against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

“I intend to give Dennis some looks with the first group against some good people,” Tomlin said, per the team’s official Web site. ”I think he’s earned that. And that’s what this preseason is about.”

Dixon has done nothing to slow the debate about who should start in Ben Roethlisberger’s absence to start the season, posting excellent numbers — against opponents’ backups — during the preseason in his competition with Byron Leftwich.

Time to see if Dixon can loosen the grip that Leftwich appears to have on the starting job.

Posted in: Around The Web  | comments  |