Tommy

Maddox

Maddox has probably lost his starting job with the play of rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Maddox will likely be the #2 QB on his return from injury.

Maddox began throwing passes this week, but is at least a few weeks away from being ready to backup Ben Roethlisberger.

Maddox, who has been out since his throwing elbow was injured in the second game in Baltimore, has been upgraded to probable on the team’s injury report. He’s expected to play if anything happens to Ben Roethlisberger.

Don’t look for a huge passing numbers at Buffalo. But NFL fans who believe the Steelers will just roll over are likely mistaken.

Maddox is scheduled to make $750,000 this season, which is less than his backup Charlie Batch. If the Steelers draft a first round QB, he could be the third highest paid QB on the team. Maddox has little leverage, but it’s clearly bugging him. A trade, while unlikely, isn’t out of the question.

Maddox really is getting screwed. He was the lowest paid starting QB in the league by far ($750,000) and he will be again in his last year as a starter. Or he’ll be replaced shortly by Ben Roethlisberger.

He has to be one of the best backups in the league, but no QB is a recommended play at Buffalo right now.

Maddox is expected to get the start. Coach Bill Cowher says the Steelers are going to Buffalo to win and we believe him. They will only sit injured players.

A new agreement with Maddox could be reached by early next week, a source close to the quarterback told the Post-Gazette. He’ll get a substantial raise over the $750,000 he’s currently scheduled to make this season.