Gradkowski's time with Steelers could be over

Lost amid Michael Vick Watch on Tuesday was the news that Bruce Gradkowski’s season and perhaps his Steelers career could be over.

Gradkowski was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday two days after an errant snap caused two injuries. Gradkowski, who grew up in Green Tree and Dormont, injured a finger that required surgery. He also injured his right shoulder on the play, and coach Mike Tomlin told reporters yesterday that he might need additional surgery to repair his throwing shoulder.

Shoulder surgery is never good news for a quarterback, especially one in the final year of his contract. Gradkowski had been the backup to Ben Roethlisberger for the past two seasons. The Steelers signed Vick to a one-year deal to be the backup this season and are expected to keep Landry Jones as their No. 3 quarterback.

Gradkowski’s future will be determined by his health and what the coaches think of Jones’ development. Gradkowski, 32, had problems with his shoulder going back to the spring. He opened training camp on the PUP list with the hope that rest, not surgery, would cure the discomfort.

That game plan did not work and now surgery is required to fix it. But Gradkowski’s shoulder is only part of the equation. The Steelers did not believe Jones was ready to be a No. 2 quarterback this season, but he did improve this summer.

The question now is whether the Steelers believe Jones can ascend to that role next summer.

When Gradkowski came off the PUP list a couple of weeks ago he took stock of his career and reflected on his NFL journey.

“I’m very thankful to be playing this game, going into my 10th year,” he said. “I’m just trying to enjoy it. There is nothing like being out here with the guys and trying to get ready for the season. It’s truly a blessing. I try to thank God every day. I never would have imagined I’d be going into my 10th year in the NFL. I just want to take advantage of that and have fun while I’m playing. Who knows how long I’ll play? You have to take advantage of that.”

Now Gradkowski will spend his 10th NFL season on injured reserve and his future is unclear. If Gradkowski is done with the Steelers, he played in two games for his hometown black and gold. The only time he got to throw passes for the Steelers was the playoff game against the Ravens in January. He was 2 for 3 for 22 yards.