As expected, the Steelers signed defensive tackle Steve McLendon back to the 53 man roster on Saturday from the practice squad and placed quarterback Dennis Dixon on injured reserve. McLendon will backup Casey Hampton at nose tackle Sunday versus the Ravens as Chis Hoke will sit out with a MCL sprain. Dixon was expected to be sidelined several more weeks following meniscus surgery on the knee he injured against the titans in week 2. The Steelers were hoping not to have to make the decision with Dixon until the suspension of starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was over, but when Hoke went down with a knee injury late in the Buccaneers game, it left the Steelers with only one true nose tackle and only 5 healthy defensive linemen in total. If the Steelers think Hoke will be ready to place against Cleveland following the week 5 bye, McLendon will likely be released to make room for Roethlisberger when he is moved from the reserve/suspended list back to the 53 man roster. If he clears waivers, McLendon will likely be headed back to the practice squad. Dixon is currently in his final year of his rookie contract and could of indeed suited up for the last time in the black and gold. Depending on how the new CBA and free agency rules shake out, Dixon may want to test free agency.
