The Steelers released 11 players today, including a handful of veterans, but they kept injured quarterback Byron Leftwich on their 53-man roster to open the season.

The veterans include former starting center Justin Hartwig, linebacker and 2008 rookie of the Year Patrick Bailey, and five second-year players: Cornerback Joe Burnett, fullback Frank Summers, guard Kraig Urbik, kick returner Stefan Logan and defensive end Sunny Harris.

Also released were wide receiver Tyler Grisham, safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, defensive tackle Steve McLendon and rookie defensive lineman Doug Worthington, a seventh-round pick.

Also, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not count toward the 53-man roster because he is suspended for the first four games.

Leftwich's MCL was sprained in his left knee Thursday night in the final preseason game.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.