Week 16 Outlook
Availability
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that, according to an inside source, Steelers QB Bruce Gradkowski has a torn hamstring.
Fantasy Impact
Gradkowski suffered the injury in Friday's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, and claimed he heard a "pop" when he pulled up lame after a second half scramble. In all likelihood, the 33-year-old veteran will be placed on IR for a second consecutive season, but the team hasn't announced their official decision yet. This injury could quietly come back to haunt the Steelers' depth at the QB position should Landry Jones continue to underwhelm as the backup. With only Dustin Vaughan left behind Jones, who has never taken a regular season snap in the NFL, the Steelers could now look to free agency to address their QB situation.
Steelers QB Bruce Gradkowski completed 3-of-3 passing attempts for 22 yards and rushed twice for 11 yards against the Lions before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.
Fantasy Impact
Gradkowski looked like a much more efficient QB than Landry Jones, who got the start in Friday's preseason opener, but was forced to leave the game after being tackled in the third quarter. The Steelers seem to be pushing for Jones to serve as Ben Roethlisberger's primary backup in 2016, but the veteran Gradkowski looked like a better option in his limited playing time. If he can return for next week's contest, and Jones continues his mediocre play, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Steelers re-order their QB depth chart in the near future.
The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed QB Bruce Gradkowski to a one-year deal on Monday.
Fantasy Impact
Bruce Gradkowski will compete with Landry Jones for the backup quarterback position behind Ben Roethlisberger. Although he was on Pittsburgh's roster in 2015, Gradkowski missed the majority of the season due to injuries to his shoulder and finger.
The Steelers have placed QB Bruce Gradkowski on season-ending injured reserve. To replace Gradkowski, the Steelers signed Michael Vick to be Ben Roethlisberger's primary backup.
Fantasy Impact
Gradkowski had no value outside of an injury to Big Ben. Given Ben's injury history, there is a chance his backup will see time in 2015.
