PITTSBURGH (AP) — Maybe Carolina Panthers coach John Fox had the right idea: Rest your starters in the final exhibition game.
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, expected to replace Ben Roethlisberger during his suspension, injured his left knee in the second quarter as Pittsburgh beat the starter-less Panthers 19-3 on Thursday night.
Carolina’s offense ended the preseason the way it began with no touchdowns as No. 3 quarterback Hunter Cantwell and No. 4 Tony Pike took all the snaps in a game both teams played with the intent of not getting any key player hurt. Only Carolina accomplished it.
Leftwich, tuning up for his anticipated start Sept. 12 against Atlanta, completed an 18-yard pass to rookie Emmanuel Sanders before being knocked off his feet as running back Mewelde Moore and safety Marcus Hudson collided near him with 10:25 remaining in the first half.
