The injury to Pittsburgh Steelers backup Bruce Gradkowski may be severe enough as to put his season in jeopardy. The Steelers, likely concerned over their depth behind starter Ben Roethlisberger, are reportedly bringing in former Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets quarterback Mike Vick for a free agent visit, per multiple reports.
ESPN's Adam Schefter added shortly thereafter that Gradkowski, injured during the Steelers preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, had dislocated a finger on his left hand and would be undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
UPDATE, 8:30 PM: The team announced a one-year deal for Vick late Tuesday.
Vick, the former first-round, first-overall pick by the Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, has, of course, had an illustrious and at times ill-fated NFL career. Now 35, his diminishing athletic ability has made him more one-dimensional. As his escapability fades, his limitations as a passer become more apparent.
Vick appeared in 10 games for the Jets last season after starter Geno Smith proved incapable of holding onto the top spot on the depth chart. In place of Smith Vick completed 64 passes for 604 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost three fumbles. He added 26 carries for 153 yards and two more fumbles.
Vick's high-wire act playing style was well-supported as a younger player, when he could use his immense physical gifts to escape the pocket and make something out of nothing. With his skills fading, his qualities as a signal-caller have become something akin to a trainwreck - it's hard to look away because something either incredibly exciting will happen either way, whether it's terrible for the offense or amazing.
He's a strong veteran presence though and despite his diminishing abilities, provides a quality second option who can potentially win some games with a narrowed, specified gameplan for Pittsburgh should Roethlisberger go down with an injury.
