The Facts: The Steelers have three spring practices left on the schedule, but really there is only one. That could mean the hunt for the quarterback to start the season is over, and may have been over long ago. Dennis Dixon has not practiced with the first team and it has become obvious Leftwich will open the season as the starting quarterback.

Diehards Line:Prior to the return of Ben Roethlisberger this week, Dixon was getting more snaps and was No. 2 Thursday. But Leftwich ran the first team from mini-camp April 30 until Roethlisberger's arrival Tuesday. All that tends to fall into line with the widely held believe that Leftwich will indeed fill in during Roethlisberger's suspension -- which is tentatively scheduled for six games (but which could be reduced or lengthened depending on Big Ben's behavior).