Rumors are flying that the Pittsburgh Steelers are potentially interested in signing Michael Vick, the controversial quarterback, to backup Ben Roethlisberger. But are these rumors true?

Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, reinstated Vick with conditions on Monday. Vick, released from prison after serving 18 months for operating a dogfighting ring, could potentially play in regular season games this season as soon as October.

Alan Jennings, Channel 11 News reporter, called the Steelers and received a “No comment” from Pittsburgh Steelers’ media coordinator, Dave Lockett.

Talk of the possibility of Vick donning the Steeler black and gold originated on ESPN’s Sports Center, when football analysts were discussing the conditional reinstatement of Vick back into the NFL. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen suggested that Vick would make a nice backup for Roethlisberger.

If Vick can find himself a team, he can immediately partake in preseason workouts, practices and meetings and can also play in the preseason’s final two games. Several teams have stated they aren’t interested in Vick.

After the regular season starts, Vick can participate in all of the teams activities except playing in games. Goodell has said he will consider a full reinstatement for Vick by the season’s sixth week (October 18-19) at the very latest.

In August 2007 Vick was suspended indefinitely by Goodell, after admitting to operating a dogfighting ring on his Virginia property. Goodell at the time had said the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback would have to show remorse before he would ever consider a reinstatement. The Steelers currently have two quarterbacks signed to backup Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch and third stringer Dennis Dixon.