Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Steelers ended up paying receiver Antonio Brown approximately the amount of money they intended to pay Mike Wallace this year, but he didn‘t exactly play like a No. 1 receiver. Brown‘s three-game injury absence (high-ankle sprain) set him back as he failed to duplicate his team MVP season of 2011, when he was a 1,000-yard receiver and kick returner. Brown caught nearly as many passes (66) as he did the season before (69), but his yardage dropped from 1,108 to 787 and his punt return average declined from 10.8 yards to 6.8. He also badly hurt the Steelers with second-half fumbles that ended up being the pivotal plays during road losses to the Raiders and Cowboys. “A point of emphasis for me will be protecting the ball better, becoming a better route receiver and a better return man,” Brown said.

Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones posted on Twitter that he didn't believe he'd fall any farther than 17th overall in the NFL draft, and he was right. The Steelers took Jones with the 17th pick in the NFL draft, instantly helping their pass rush. He should replace Jason Worlids in the starting lineup.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their latest round of cuts Monday and released the following players: defensive back Walter McFadden; tight end Justin Peelle; linebacker Ryan Baker; defensive lineman Mike Blanc; wide receiver Paul Cox; defensive back Andre Freeman; kicker Danny Hrapmann; tight end Jamie McCoy; defensive back Myron Rolle; wide receiver Juamorris Stewart; defensive lineman Kade Weston; and wide receiver Jimmy Young.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that receiver Markus Wheaton could be the rookie from the Steelers' draft class of 2013 who makes the biggest impact. Wheaton, the leading receiver in Oregon State history, fell to the Steelers in the third round partly because of his 4.45 time in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I know it probably hurt his feelings and made him feel bad, but we were happy because, when you put the tape on, he plays fast,” offensive coordinator Todd Haley said of Wheaton, who caught 91 passes for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. “He's a fast player and quick. He's an exciting guy to have around.” Haley also called Wheaton “a versatile, good, polished” player. Wheaton said he can envision himself “anywhere” in the Steelers' offense because “I like being all over the place. The defense can't plan for you when they don't know where you're going to be.”

Agent Ralph Cindrich told KDKA-FM over the holiday weekend that client James Farrior, for a decade the Steelers' defensive captain and inside linebacker, hasn't fully decided if he'll retire. But they have talked with the Steelers about a potential news conference.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their latest round of cuts Monday and released the following players: defensive back Walter McFadden; tight end Justin Peelle; linebacker Ryan Baker; defensive lineman Mike Blanc; wide receiver Paul Cox; defensive back Andre Freeman; kicker Danny Hrapmann; tight end Jamie McCoy; defensive back Myron Rolle; wide receiver Juamorris Stewart; defensive lineman Kade Weston; and wide receiver Jimmy Young.

The Steelers re-signed fullback David Johnson to a one-year deal. He missed all of 2012 with a torn ACL.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

The Bengals officially announced the signing of LB Brandon Johnson on Wednesday. Johnson is expected to be a backup once again in 2011.

The Steelers re-signed tight end Matt Spaeth. He spent the past two seasons in Chicago with the Bears.

The Steelers announced on Wednesday that they signed rookie DB Cortez Allen to a contract. The terms of the deal were not announced.

The Steelers have signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to a three-year deal. The Pittsburgh native, who once led the Raiders to an improbable win at Heinz Field, will back up Big Ben.

The Bucs waived wide receiver David Gilreath Monday.

In preparation for the new league year, the Steelers terminated the contracts of CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle and waived TE Miguel Chavis and LB Erik Clanton. The team did sign CB Myron Rolle, WR Juamorris Stewart and LB Brandon Hicks.

The Steelers placed linebacker Chris Carter on injured reserve Thursday because of an abdominal injury.

The Steelers released defensive back Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith Wednesday.

The Steelers claimed DL Al Woods off waivers on Wednesday after he was released by the Seahawks on Tuesday.

The Steelers released defensive lineman Alameda Ta'amu Monday.

Steelers DL Ziggy Hood left Thursday's game versus the Browns with a groin injury. He had one solo tackle in the contest before leaving.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their latest round of cuts Monday and released the following players: defensive back Walter McFadden; tight end Justin Peelle; linebacker Ryan Baker; defensive lineman Mike Blanc; wide receiver Paul Cox; defensive back Andre Freeman; kicker Danny Hrapmann; tight end Jamie McCoy; defensive back Myron Rolle; wide receiver Juamorris Stewart; defensive lineman Kade Weston; and wide receiver Jimmy Young.

Pittsburgh quarterback Byron Leftwich was ruled out for Week 13 at Baltimore as he continues to deal with a ribs injury. Leftwich has been unable to practice over the past two weeks and will join Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) on the sideline while Charlie Batch starts Sunday's game.

Pittsburgh placed defensive back Ike Taylor (ankle) on injured reserve Wednesday. Taylor was injured Week 13 against Baltimore. He is done with a right fibula injury.

Running back Isaac Redman has signed his restricted free agent tender according to official NFL documents. He's under contract for 2013 and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2014.

The New England began paring down their roster and released the following players: defensive lineman Gerard Warren; and defensive backs Josh Barrett and Ross Ventrone.

Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons had one of his better performances of the season in Week 16 against the Bengals. He recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) and also sacked quarterback Andy Dalton twice in the 13-10 loss.

Steelers quarterback Shaun Suisham connected on his only field-goal attempt of the game in Week 17 against the Browns Sunday. He hit from 41 yards out, while also making all three extra-point attempts in a 24-10 win.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said rookie Le'Veon Bell can stay on the field on passing downs. Haley called Bell a "three-down back, which is a big thing for us." Bell is definitely the starter coming into the season. "You look at a big, young back that can play in all three phases, but he's especially patient in the run game," Colbert said. "And like I said, he knows when to put his foot in the ground and cut up field and when he makes contact, he has a ton of yards after contact. It just seemed that every time he ran the ball, whether it was for a 1-yard gain before he fell into contact, he always ended up getting contact, so it's second-and-5."

After signing a one-year deal to stay with the Steelers and watching Mike Wallace leave for Miami, Plaxico Burress has designs on starting in 2013. "I am going to approach it like I am going to be a starter," said Burress about the upcoming season per the official team website. "I am going to work my tail off and see what happens. I am putting it out there for everybody to know."

The Steelers announced Thursday quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will start Week 14 vs. San Diego after missing three games with shoulder and rib injuries. “He has been above the line in all areas,” coach Mike Tomlin said, per the team's official website. “Really, the only question we can’t answer is taking a hit. Obviously that will be answered in the stadium on Sunday. I am extremely comfortable with his ability to work the field both vertically and horizontally. He has great velocity on his ball. We’re ready to go.” Roethlisberger told reporters Thursday he took 80-90 percent of the first-team snaps in practice, according to the NFL Network. "I felt good," Roethlisberger said. Charlie Batch had started the last two games in Roethlisberger's absence.

Pittsburgh nose tackle Chris Hoke announced his retirement Wednesday. He was placed on IR last season and had to undergo season-ending neck surgery on Dec. 14. He played in six games in 2011, starting twice while recording three tackles.

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

Steelers safety Ryan Clark (hip) was cleared to play Week 14 vs. San Diego after being probable on the injury report.

Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds totaled two sacks Week 12 at Cleveland, giving him a career-high five sacks in 11 games. He finished with four solo tackles.

After signing LaRod Stephens-Howling and drafting Le'Veon Bell, NFL Network reports the Steelers are attempting to trade running back Jonathan Dwyer.

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

The Steelers announced Tuesday they released linebacker Marshall McFadden.

Steelers running back Chris Rainey was arrested Thursday in Gainesville and charged with one count of simple battery. According to the Miami Herald, he allegedly slapped his girlfriend in the face. Later Thursday, the Steelers announced they waived Rainey. "Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers," general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement.

The Bills continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: wide receivers Derek Hagan, Naaman Roosevelt, Ruvell Martin, Kamar Aiken and Marcus Easley; tight end Kevin Brock; running backs Johnny White and Zach Brown; linebackers Tank Carder and Scott McKillop; defensive linemen Robert Eddins, Jarron Gilbert and Kellen Heard; and defensive backs Nick Saenz and Isaiah Green.

Steelers DL Cameron Heyward recorded the first sack of his career Week 5 against the Titans. He also forced a fumble on the play. The rookie finished with two tackles, both solo.

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

Ben Roethlisberger told WDVE-FM in Pittsburgh that tight end Heath Miller is making great progress in his rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered on Christmas Eve last year. "Heath is working out and he looks great," Roethlisberger said. "He's walking without a limp. From what I saw I think he looked good."

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Steelers activated defensive tackle Casey Hampton off the physically unable to perform list Friday. Hampton is still recovering from his third ACL surgery after suffering a right knee injury during the playoff loss to Denver on Jan. 8.

The Steelers signed cornerback Justin King Tuesday.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have restructured the contract of linebacker LaMarr Woodley to create another $4 million in salary cap space for the team in 2013. Woodley, signed through 2016, was scheduled to earn a $9 million salary this year. By turning about $5.5 million of that into a signing bonus, it would open the cap space this year, pushing off the salary-cap accounting into future years.

Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel totaled three tackles (two solo), one sack and one pass defense Week 12 at Cleveland. Keisel has three sacks in his last three games.

After one season in Arizona, veteran cornerback William Gay announced on Twitter that he will return to the Steelers in 2013. Gay met with the Steelers on Sunday and appears to have reached an agreement to re-sign with the team that originally drafted him.

Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery caught all of the passes thrown his way in Week 16 against the Bengals. He was targeted twice by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, finishing with two catches for 20 yards in the 13-10 loss.

Steelers running back Baron Batch was placed on injured reserve Wednesday due to a broken arm, reports the National Football Post. Batch is done for the season.

After Steelers linebacker coach Keith Butler said it would be "miraculous" if Sean Spence ever played again last week, coach Mike Tomlin had a rosier outlook on his linebacker's future. "All the rehab is going to according to plan," Tomlin said according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "No news there. I did hear the opinion regarding Spence. My opinion differs. I think he'll have a full recovery. But now you have two opinions, neither of which are expert medical opinions, so do with it what you wish."

Knee - Doubtful for start of training camp

The Steelers announced Monday they released quarterback Troy Smith. He was competing for a backup role with the team.

The Eagles announced Tuesday they released linebacker Brian Rolle.

The Browns waived the following players Sunday: DB Emanuel Davis, LB JoJo Dickson, WR Carlton Mitchell, WR Bert Reed, WR Jermaine Saffold and WR Owen Spencer.

Steelers defensive back Troy Polamalu finished with just three tackles in Week 17 against the Browns, but he made up for it with his first interception of the season. Polamalu picked off Thaddeus Lewis on the sideline, returning it for no gain, in a 24-10 win.

Notable players waived by the Panthers on Friday include: WR Seyi Ajirotutu, CB Darius Butler (waived/injured), WR Jared Green, LB David Nixon, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Tauren Poole (waived/injured), CB R.J. Stanford, DL Ryan Van Bergen and LB Kion Wilson.

In another interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he wasn't comfortable with how his arm held up following shoulder and rib injuries last season. Though he had 20-plus Fantasy points in three of his final four regular-season games, the Steelers went 1-3 and missed out on the playoffs. "Sometimes, certain passes just weren't right. I didn't trust myself to get enough zip on it to throw it out there. I tried to guide it too much instead of just throw it. But that's making excuses," he said. "I'll be better, health-wise. ... I'm working out earlier this year. I took one week off, one week. I have no issues."

Pittsburgh fullback Will Johnson came down with a few receptions in the Week 15 game at Dallas Sunday. Johnson caught two passes for 34 yards and had a long grab of 21 yards in the game. He did not score for the Steelers.

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

LaRod Stephens-Howling and the Steelers have agreed to a deal, ESPN reports. Stephens-Howling, a Pennsylvania native, will reunite with Todd Haley. The two worked together in Arizona.

Now that Emmanuel Sanders is sticking with the Steelers this season, CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora foresees "plenty of action for Sanders." The team's decision to keep him combined with their lack of experienced wideouts should give Sanders plenty of playing time. La Canfora thinks Sanders' career-high totals of 44 catches for 626 yards and one measly touchdown could change "dramatically" because of Sanders' "ability to be an explosive player in space."

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

Pittsburgh defensive back Curtis Brown was placed on season-ending injured reserve Saturday with an ankle injury. Brown was already ruled out for the regular-season finale Week 17 against Cleveland.

Pittsburgh waived quarterback Brian Hoyer on Saturday and promoted cornerback Josh Victorian from the practice squad.

Steelers tight end David Paulson had one catch for 8 yards Sunday against the Eagles in Week 5. It was his lone target of the game.

On Day 3 of the NFL draft the Steelers selected Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne, Oklahoma receiver Justin Brown, Florida State linebacker Vince Williams and Samford defensive tackle Nick Williams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their latest round of cuts Monday and released the following players: defensive back Walter McFadden; tight end Justin Peelle; linebacker Ryan Baker; defensive lineman Mike Blanc; wide receiver Paul Cox; defensive back Andre Freeman; kicker Danny Hrapmann; tight end Jamie McCoy; defensive back Myron Rolle; wide receiver Juamorris Stewart; defensive lineman Kade Weston; and wide receiver Jimmy Young.

The Colts said farewell to the following players on Friday: DE James Aiono, DT Chigbo Anunoby, LB Jerry Brown, RB Darren Evans, LB Tim Fugger, RB Deji Karim, CB Brandon King, LB Greg Lloyd, TE Kyle Miller, WR Kashif Moore, DB Mike Newton, WR Jeremy Ross, DT Jason Shirley, TE Andre Smith, LS Justin Snow and DB Latarrius Thomas.

Detroit signed two players Monday, including RB Kevin Smith, to one-year deals. With the additions, the Lions released DB Anthony Madison and RB Eldra Buckley to clear room on the roster.

ESPN reports the Steelers have reached a multi-year agreement with linebacker Larry Foote on Tuesday. Foote was an unrestricted free agent, and the deal is reportedly for three seasons. He finished 2012 with 113 combined tackles (75 solo) with four sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The Seahawks signed defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo off the practice sqaud Thursday.

The Steelers signed defensive tackle Steve McLendon to a contract extension a day after it was reported he huddled with the Packers. McLendon was a restricted free agent. He landed a three-year deal.

Notable players cut by the Bucs Friday include: S Larry Asante, S Sean Baker, WR Landon Cox, LB Rennie Curran, LB Jacob Cutrera, TE Drake Dunsmore, K Kai Forbath, RB Robert Hughes, FB Cody Johnson, RB Mossis Madu, DT Jordan Nix, DT Frank Okam, DT Amobi Okoye (injury settlement), TE Zack Pianalto, QB Brett Ratliff, CB James Rogers, WR Jordan Shipley, WR Tiquan Underwood, DT Teryl White and DL E.J. Wilson.

The Steelers announced the re-signing of linebacker Stevenson Sylvester to a one-year deal.

The New Orleans Saints began paring down their roster Monday and released the following players: quarterback Luke McCown; tight end Jake Byrne; wide receivers Marques Clark, Kevin Hardy and Derek Moye; defensive backs Kamaal McIlwain, Cord Parks and Johnny Thomas; defensive linemen Remi Ayodele, Swanson Miller and Donavan Robinson; and linebacker Aaron Tevis.

Pittsburgh tight end Leonard Pope found the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown in the Week 8 win over the Redskins Sunday. Pope scored the game's first points in the first quarter on the TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger. Pope ended up seeing only the one target in the game for the one catch for 1 yard and the score.

The Steelers have claimed quarterback John Parker Wilson off waivers from the Jaguars.