PITTSBURGH — Charlie Batch’s prediction came true.

The 37-year-old backup quarterback survived the Steelers’ final round of cuts Friday, assuring the Pittsburgh native of a 15th NFL season. The move came less than 24 hours after Batch passed for 102 yards and a touchdown in a preseason victory over Carolina.

Batch said afterward “I totally expect to be sitting in the meeting Monday morning.” He’ll be there alongside Byron Leftwich as the backups to starter Ben Roethlisberger.

Veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex and punter Jeremy Kapinos will not be there, however, after the two were among the 21 players released as the Steelers pared their roster to 53.

Other notable cuts included defensive back Damon Cromartie-Smith, defensive lineman Corbin Bryant and wide receiver David Gilreath, a seventh-round selection in the April draft. The Steelers also let go second-year quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who was in a spirited battle with Batch for the team’s third quarterback spot all camp.

Johnson, statistically, had the slightly better preseason. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns.