National Football League

Steelers bring back Batch in backup QB role

Published Mar. 26, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Charlie Batch has signed a two-year contract to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a backup quarterback.

The 35-year-old Batch has been under contract with the Steelers for eight seasons, although he sat out 2004 and 2008 with injuries. He has thrown only two passes since 2007, and 135 overall during his time with Pittsburgh.

A former starter for the Detroit Lions, Batch is expected to compete with Dennis Dixon to be the backup quarterback. Dixon started one game when Ben Roethlisberger was hurt last season and became the No. 2 quarterback after Batch broke his left wrist Nov. 22 in Kansas City.

Batch grew up in suburban Pittsburgh and is the team's player representative.