Former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs did what some considered the impossible and made the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster. And he’ll be next in line should the Steelers’ starting QB go down.
On Saturday, just as the Vols were kicking off, the Steelers announced that they were cutting veteran quarterback Landry Jones, paving the way for Dobbs to make the team. The good news continued for Dobbs on Monday when the team put out its Week 1 depth chart and revealed that the second-year Steeler was listed as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger.
“I thought I played well when my opportunities came,” Dobbs said. “I didn’t know how it was going to shake out. I felt like I prepared well, played well.”
The battle to be Roethlisberger’s backup has been well-documented during training camp. Pittsburgh drafted Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft in April, and with Jones being a veteran quarterback already on the roster, many around the league believed Dobbs was the odd man out.
Many even believed Jones would be the backup to Roethlisberger for a sixth consecutive season, but Dobbs’ progression and productivity this preseason sideswiped those plans.
Trade rumors swirled around Dobbs’ name over the last week as teams searched for a backup quarterback, but the Steelers chose to keep Dobbs. The former Vol will likely battle with Rudolph throughout the season for the No. 2 spot, but for now, it’s Dobbs’ job to lose. Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner informed Dobbs of his status on the depth chart on Saturday when he learned he had made the team.
“Randy called me at 3:42,” Dobbs said. “He informed me I made it and let me know my role would change a little moving forward. He said just come with the same approach, come ready to go, ready to learn and try to get that seventh ring for the Steelers.”
In three games this preseason, Dobbs was 29-of-43 for 434 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He added a rushing touchdown and 64 rushing yards on 10 carries as well. Out of Pittsburgh’s four quarterbacks this preseason, Dobbs finished with the best quarterback rating while completing 67 percent of his passes.
Against the Panthers in his final game of the preseason, Dobbs showed off his arm, wheels, and play-making ability. He was 8-of-12 passing for 151 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 18 yards and a score. His performance against Carolina likely locked down a roster spot for him.
“I’m thankful,” Dobbs said. “I just have to continue to improve.”
Dobbs and the Steelers will open up the 2018 season on the road against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
