Michael Vick is your Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback for at least four more weeks. Here are five things to know about Vick’s outlook with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined.

He should be more equipped to handle spot duty this time: With the Jets in 2014, Vick averaged 5 yards per passing attempt and finished with a 21.4 QB rating, the worst in the league among quarterbacks with at least 100 passing attempts. He lamented he was underprepared as a backup. He spent 11 seasons as a starter. He was used to that life. The transition was not smooth. Worsening matters was a subpar supporting cast in New York.

Upon arriving in Pittsburgh in late August, Vick said he had learned from that experience. He knows he’s the backup. He’s not supplanting Roethlisberger, whom Vick calls a “future Hall of Famer.”

"What I've heard from everybody inside this organization is there's only one goal, and that's to get a ring," Vick said then. "I understand why I'm here. My role is clear. I can focus on that."

If Vick follows his own advice, he will be mentally ready to handle this stretch of games because he’s put in the work while he wasn't playing.

Evolving with Todd Haley’s offense could take some time: It’s important to consider that Vick has barely played 50 snaps with Pittsburgh between the preseason and regular season. This passing offense is about timing and rhythm. It took Roethlisberger a few years to hit his stride in it. It requires accuracy.

Accuracy is not Vick’s thing. He’s completed more than 60 percent of his passes in one of his 12 NFL seasons, back with Philadelphia in 2010. For his career, he’s a pedestrian 56.1 percent passer, including a dip to 52.9 percent last season.

The Steelers must work around that and find ways to use Vick. They can roll him out in play-action, design passing plays that make him comfortable and rely heavily on the running game.

Vick’s contract gives him incentive to play well: As if his long wait in free agency weren't humbling enough, the Steelers gave Vick a one-year deal worth $970,000 with no signing bonus, no money guaranteed.

This is a steep decline from the reported $5 million deal the Jets gave him in 2014.

If Vick wants to play a few more years, then October is an audition where he can make a case for a continued career and increased earnings. Put up decent numbers, then sign a one- or two-year deal with the Steelers or someone else in the offseason.

My guess is that Vick is motivated to prove his value because of the two years he missed while in prison and his decreasing shelf life as a pro.

There are still glimpses of Vick’s natural abilities: On Vick’s first play from scrimmage against Buffalo in the preseason, Vick reached back and fired the ball to Martavis Bryant. Sixty-three yards later, Vick had reminded fans what he can still do on occasion.

The arm strength was never in question. And when Bryant returns from a four-game suspension, he’ll be an ideal target for Vick, who can throw it up to the big target streaking down the sideline.

Naturally, Vick’s scrambling ability has diminished somewhat. He’s not rushing for 80 yards a game. But he still has above-average speed, and the Steelers would be smart to encourage Vick in this area. Vick took two sacks against St. Louis. Haley can encourage him to find rushing lanes when he senses it’s too late to deliver the ball in a collapsing pocket. The Steelers receivers are used to a little "playground football" (Heath Miller's words) with Roethlisberger. Why not extend the fun?

This would be a heckuva story if he does well: Imagine if Vick goes from street free agent to catalyst for a surging team in less than two months. Sometimes it’s about rooting for a good story, and this would certainly be that. Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick are having early-season rebirths, so why can't Vick?

Also, Vick could use the spotlight to assuage the concerns of Pittsburgh-area animal lovers who are not happy about his past connecting with Pittsburgh’s future. Vick said he planned to be active in his new city in passing along the lessons he’s learned from his mistakes. Doing so the day after a win would be a good look.