Zach

Mettenberger

Hackenberg was a predictable disaster in three starts for the Express, completing just 51.6 percent of his passes at a pathetic 4.47 yards per attempt with no touchdowns, three picks, and two fumbles. Mettenberger replaced Hackenberg at halftime of Week 3’s loss to Orlando and rallied Memphis to 17 second-half points, including 30- and 40-yard touchdown bombs. Whereas Hack’s NFL hopes are all but dashed, Mett still has a chance to resurface as a big-league backup.

Coach Mike Singletary had finally seen enough of Christian Hackenberg’s shoddy performance following his fourth interception (and second of the game) in only 10 quarters of play. Mettenberger replaced Hackenberg at the half and immediately flashed the big arm that initially helped him land with the Titans in the sixth round back in 2014, dropping touchdown passes of 30 and 40 yards into receivers laps to bring the Express within one score. Assuming Mettenberger starts the rest of the way for Memphis, the 27-year-old could receive a camp tryout if he continues successfully showing veteran pocket awareness and pinpoint accuracy downfield.

Mettenberger also tore his MCL, for which doctors had to wait to heal before putting him through the knee reconstruction. “I fully anticipate to be good enough to go and do a five- and seven-step drop for scouts,” Mettenberger insisted, referring to pre-draft workouts. “I’ve been pushing myself really hard. I’m expecting to be fully healthy in the 4-5 month range.” Mettenberger was seen as a fringe first-round prospect before the ligament tears.

Mettenberger worked ahead of Mike Bercovici in the first preseason game, but the undrafted rookie got the nod on Friday. Considering Philip Rivers did not play in the game, not seeing any work is an extremely bad sign for Mettenberger’s roster chances.

Mettenberger struggled in limited preseason snaps with San Diego, failing to play in either of the last two games. He was reportedly shopped to Dallas before getting cut. The Steelers are desperate for an upgrade behind Ben Roethlisberger, but Mettenberger isn’t more than a rehab project. He’ll be the No. 3 quarterback behind Landry Jones.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Chargers spoke with the Cowboys before making the move, so it is possible Dallas snatches Mettenberger off waivers. The Bengals and Giants could also be options after both put in claims when Mettenberger was waived in May. Despite a somewhat promising showing as a rookie, Mettenberger has not proven to be even a capable backup, losing his spot to undrafted rookie Mike Bercovici this preseason.

Roosevelt has a back injury while Golson is dealing with a foot issue. Ramon Foster, who was listed as questionable with an elbow injury, is active for Pittsburgh.

Claimed off waivers from the Chargers last August, “Mett Show” spent a year holding the Steelers’ second clipboard behind Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones. His fate was sealed following Pittsburgh’s selection of Josh Dobbs. Arguably the least-mobile quarterback of the decade, Mettenberger doesn’t have an NFL future.

The Titans probably missed the boat to trade Mettenberger after he started six games and averaged 7.9 YPA with an 8:7 TD:INT ratio as a 2013 rookie. Forced into duty last season, “Mett Show” averaged a measly 5.6 YPA with a 4:7 TD:INT ratio across four starts. With two years left on his rookie deal, Mettenberger is cheap and could possibly bring back a late-rounder if dealt.

“Mett Show” will be reuniting with Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt, who was the Titans’ coach the first 1.5 years of Mettenberger’s career. Aside from Whiz, the Chargers are a sensible destination, as they lack anything resembling depth behind aging (but durable) starter Philip Rivers. Mettenberger should have a good shot at cracking the 53-man roster, likely as Rivers’ backup. Kellen Clemens will be his primary competition.