First, the Steelers lost QB Ben Roethlisberger to what head coach Mike Tomlin called a "concussion-oriented" injury in Sunday's loss at Kansas City. Then, in the aftermath of the painful 27-24 defeat, one that dropped Pittsburgh to 6-4 and zapped some of its margin for error as it readies for a game at desperate Baltimore (5-5) next weekend, it was learned that Roethlisberger's backup, Charlie Batch, suffered a broken left wrist that could sideline him for the rest the season.

The Steelers' No. 3 quarterback, Dennis Dixon, is in his second NFL season. He appeared in one game in 2008, completing his only pass for three yards. He has not played this season.

The status of both Roethlisberger and Batch figures to be updated on Tuesday, when head coach Mike Tomlin has his weekly press conference. In the meantime, the Steelers appear to be looking at veteran free-agent passers, with Jeff Garcia, most recently with the Eagles, among them, according to the National Football Post. The Post reported the club may also have interest in Cleo Lemon, most recently with the Ravens.

The PFW spin

It's tough to speculate about the seriousness of Roethlisberger's injury, but we know this much: If he doesn't play at Baltimore on Sunday, the Steelers' chances of winning decrease dramatically.

The loss of Batch, 34, isn't insignificant, either. Though he's started only four games since joining Pittsburgh in 2002, he knows Bruce Arians' offense well, and he could have capably run the offense for a few games in Roethlisberger's absence. Dixon is a promising prospect, and he's more athletic than Batch, but the Ravens' defense is not easy for many quarterbacks to crack, let alone a first-time starter. Garcia, an experienced pro like Batch, might have a better chance of succeeding, even off only a few days in the system, but that would be a tall order for him, too.

What's more, the Steelers' offense would be drastically different with Roethlisberger out. No one creates as the pressure closes in like he does. Both Dixon and Garcia can buy time with their feet, but neither would likely be able to make the long and daring throws downfield that make the Pittsburgh passing game so dangerous.

However, for as in much trouble as Pittsburgh would appear to be facing against a tough foe like Baltimore if Roethlisberger is out, the Steelers might be able to get by without him in Weeks 13 and 14 if necessary, as they host the Raiders on Dec. 6, then travel to struggling Cleveland on Dec. 10. Pittsburgh could lean on its running game and defense and come away with wins before having to regroup for a tough three-game stretch to finish the season: home games vs. Green Bay (Dec. 20) and Baltimore (Dec. 27), then a road game at Miami (Jan. 3).

The Steelers' postseason prospects are still pretty good, but they are no cinch to be playing when the playoffs kick off on Jan. 9, and it is hard not to think back to their inability to close out three very winnable road games at Chicago, Cincinnati and most recently Kansas City and wonder if that is not ultimately going to cost them dearly.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released later this month. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.