In Charlie we trust.

Really?

Just how much faith do the Steelers have in their 15-year veteran No. 3 quarterback?

Mike Tomlin opted not to start him against Baltimore last week though, arguably, Batch’s skill set is better suited for offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system than is Byron Leftwich.

Even when Leftwich was wincing in pain with every pass he threw in that Ravens game, Tomlin never even asked Batch to get loose. Batch was throwing along the sidelines briefly, but did so without prompting from the coaches.

One can even go back to 2010, when Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first four games of that season. Tomlin opted for untested youngster Dennis Dixon as the Steelers’ starter once Leftwich went down with an injury.

Batch didn’t take over until Dixon was injured. Batch then delivered three touchdown passes in a win over Tampa Bay.

That was two years ago. Charlie was old then.

He’s older now.

When he started against the St. Louis Rams in a shutout win at Heinz Field late last season, Batch wasn’t called upon to do much. The Steelers’ running game and defense carried the day.

Those same two elemnents will likely have to come to the forefront Sunday if the Steelers are to defeat the Browns, who have lost a bevy of close games this season while carrying a misleading 2-8 record.

As a No. 3 quarterback, can Batch be expected to win a game if need be? If the Steelers are trailing by a few points in the final five minutes, can he be expected to pass the team down the field for the game-winning score?

Not likely.

Charlie Batch is a good guy. He’s a knowledgeable, supportive person to have on the sidelines holding a clipboard. But can he still play?

Steeler Nation will find out Sunday.

Maybe the Steelers should have had a better contingency plan. Maybe they thought Roethlisberger was indestructible.

When Roethlisberger went down with his shoulder and rib injuries in the Steelers’ ninth game this season, it was fair to wonder whether the combination of Leftwich and Batch could make it through seven games, if needed.

Opponents know the Steelers’ situation. As long as Big Ben’s unavailable, defenses are going to lay the lumber to Pittsburgh’s quarterback every chance they get.

Cleveland would like nothing better than to force Brian Hoyer — who’s had three days of practice with the Steelers — to enter the game.

Batch broke his hand shortly after entering a game against Kansas City a few years ago, his hand hitting a helmet. The man is brittle.

But he’s beaten Father Time so far. Hopefully, he’ll stand the test of time.