Steelers release QB Leftwich, plan to re-sign him next week

In a surprising move on Saturday, the Steelers announced they released backup QB Byron Leftwich(notes) and activated DE Steve McLendon(notes) from the practice squad.
According to the Steelers' Twitter account, "SteelersDigest," Leftwich football jerseys
should be re-signed next week and this move was "done for D-line depth."
Leftwich (knee) participated fully in practice on Friday but was still slated to back up starting QB Dennis Dixon(notes). QB Ben Roethlisberger(notes) will return for Week Six when the Steelers play the Browns.
The way we see it
The Steelers' defensive line issue is that they are without starting NT Casey Hampton(notes) for the Week Two game against the Titans, but this move more importantly means that head coach Mike Tomlin trusts Charlie Batch(notes) as the backup to Dixon. Batch, a 13-year veteran, has 50 career starts under his belt, but just four with the Steelers since 2003. It's possible that Leftwich could start in Week Three after returning to practice this week, but the Steelers wanted his roster spot for D-line depth for Sunday's game. Of course, the Steelers are gambling that Chargers jersey
another team in need of a quarterback won't swoop in and make Leftwich an attractive offer, unless they've privately come to an agreement with the veteran that he won't depart.
Brian Westbrook(notes) is expected to make his debut for the Sa n Francisco 49ers on Monday night in the team’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints.
The veteran running back, signed in August, suited up last Sunday in Seattle but did not appear in the game. That won’t happen again.
“I was prepared to play, just didn't get any opportunities," Westbrook told David White of the San Francisco Chrinicle. "It's been a while since I haven't played in a game, man. The situation for me is, whenever my number's called, be prepared and ready to play."
Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has called Westbrook the backup for Frank Gore(notes). It would seem with his abilities in the open field and as a receiver he could also provide a change-of-pace for the offense. But Westbrook needs to continue to master the offense so he is ready when his opportunity comes.
"I'm getting better at it every day," Westbrook said. "I think I have a good Bears jersey
grasp of it, but you don't really know until you get out there."