PITTSBURGH -- The rumors continue to run rampant that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in signing controversial quarterback Michael Vick as Ben Roethlisberger's backup, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen says, "Don't count on it."

Mortensen, who was at training camp in Latrobe this week, said the Steelers are more focused on getting third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon snaps during the preseason than they are on the possibility of signing Vick.

Despite what Mortensen believes, Las Vegas names the Steelers and the Patriots as the favorites to acquire the maligned NFL quarterback at 4-1 odds.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Vick last month, with conditions. Free after serving 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring, Vick could participate in regular-season games as early as October.

Steelers media coordinator Dave Lockett said the team has no comment about the possibility of signing Vick.

The talk of Vick possibly appearing in black and gold apparently came about on ESPN's SportsCenter, as the analysts were discussing Vick's conditional reinstatement to the NFL.

Mortensen made the suggestion that Vick would be a great backup for Big Ben, according to BleacherReport.com.

Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games -- if he can find a team. A number of clubs have already said they are not interested.

Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation on his property in Virginia. At the time, Goodell said Vick must show remorse before he would consider reinstating him.

Currently, the Steelers have two backup quarterbacks. Charlie Batch just re-signed a one-year deal with the team. Dixon is signed on as the team's third-stringer.