Dixon out at least three weeks with torn lateral meniscus cartilage

The news on Dennis Dixon is he will be out at least three weeks after tearing his lateral meniscus cartilage, meaning the Steelers will go with either Charlie Batch or Byron Leftwich on Sunday in Tampa against the surprising 2-0 Buccaneers.

Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon tore his lateral meniscus cartilage, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Dixon, who injured the same knee at Oregon in 2007, will get a second opinion this week, but if the initial diagnosis stands, Dixon will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and miss at least three weeks. By then, Ben Roethlisberger’s four-game suspension will be over and he will return as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The Steelers would not say how much time Dixon will miss. With Dixon out, the Steelers re-signed quarterback Byron Leftwich two days after they released him to create a roster spot for a defensive lineman.