NFL: Pittsburgh 19, Carolina 16

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Jeff Reed kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired Thursday, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a 19-16 victory over Carolina.

The Panthers tied their exhibition season closer on a 29-yard throw from Brett Basanez to Chris Hannon with two minutes remaining.

Rookie Dennis Dixon, fighting for a spot on the Pittsburgh roster, then led the Steelers from their own 28 to the Carolina 25, setting up the game-winning kick. Dixon completed all four of his passes on the drive and scrambled for 11 yards as well.

Byron Leftwich started at quarterback for the Steelers and completed six of 14 passes for 86 yards. Rashard Mendenhall gained 79 yards on 21 carries for Pittsburgh.

Carolina (2-2) will start its regular season next week with a trip to San Diego. Pittsburgh (3-1) will be at home against Houston.