The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free-agent quarterback Brian Hoyer, CBS Sports' NFL Insider Jason La Canfora is reporting. Hoyer beat out Mike Kafka, who also tried out for the Steelers on Tuesday.

Hoyer, 27, severed as the backup to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for the last few seasons, but did not make the Pats' 53-man roster this year.

During his three seasons in New England, Hoyer played in just 13 games, mainly in mop-up duty, and completed 63 percent of his pass attempts.

This Sunday, Hoyer will back up Charlie Batch, who's getting his second start in as many seasons against the Cleveland Browns.

Batch is forced into duty after Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and backup Byron Leftwich suffered injuries that will force them to not play in Week 12. Its expected that Leftwich, who is suffering from two broken ribs, will be placed on injured reserve, while Roethlisberger could return as early as next week.