Steelers Audition QB Prospects

The San Diego Chargers went home with a victory, and the Pittsburgh Steelers continued their audition at quarterback in the fourth annual American Bowl, an exhibition game at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, won by the Chargers, 20-10.

After Mike Tomczak moved the Steelers smartly on the opening drive for a field goal, the Chargers took over with three downfield marches in the first half that produced a touchdown and two field goals.

Kordell Stewart, the versatile wide receiver who’s trying to become the Steelers starting quarterback, showed off his impressive scrambling--and his inconsistency when throwing.

“Mentally, I know the majority of what I need to do. But when you’re under pressure . . . I’m tempted to fake the ball and run,” Stewart said.

Coach Bill Cowher gave equal time to Stewart and the other two QB contenders, Tomczak and Jim Miller. Tomczak was steadier, hitting six of eight passes for 48 yards compared with Miller’s four of nine for 46 with one interception.

Stewart completed six of 13 for 53 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown, while rushing for 25 yards in five tries.

“All three did some good things,” Cowher said.

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Oakland Raider backup quarterback Billy Joe Hobert sprained his left ankle in Oakland’s 35-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Irving, Texas and is listed as day-to-day.

Also, it was determined that tackle Lincoln Kennedy’s left biceps muscle is strained, not torn, as originally diagnosed. Also, Pat Harlow, who fractured his right hand last week during practice, will not require surgery.