BUFFONE: Steelers Rookie Out for Season

By John Buffone

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Baron Batch injured tore his anterior cruciate ligament during practice on Wednesday and will miss the entire 2011 season. A loud popping sound was reportedly heard as Batch was finishing a run, which immediately called for the attention of the Steelers’ training staff. While officials weren’t initially sure of the severity of Batch’s injury, rookie tight end Weslye Saunders later posted on twitter that Batch had torn his ACL. Batch was the Steelers seventh-round pick this year and was Texas Tech’s eighth-ranked all-time leader in rushing yards with 2,501 yards. During his senior season, Batch led the Red Raiders in rushing with 816 yards on 177 carries, an average of 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught 32 passes for 226 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Despite being a low-end draft pick, Batch was becoming a fan favorite and reportedly had a strong enough training camp to be considered for a roster spot. Batch’s absence will now open the door for other young backs to make the team like second-year running back Jonathan Dwyer whom the Steelers drafted in the sixth round last year and undrafted free agent and former Wisconsin running back John Clay. Clay was a Heisman Trophy prospect in 2010 before injuring his medial collateral ligament during the season.

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