PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers still have three players left to release or designate for injured reserve, but made decisions on 24 players early Tuesday afternoon. A bit of a surprise at running back.
The team decided to keep all of their running backs-Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland and undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren. The only RB to be released was the late add of Max Borghi, who had already been released by Denver.
"You look at the guys who played," said Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. "We've tried to roll guys at different times. Jaylen went in there and did a good job early. Ant staying healthy through camp has been a big deal for him. He didn't have preseason games last year. Benny is so consistent. He comes in and always does what he is supposed to do. We know who he is."
"All three of those guys have shown they are capable and ready to go. We will continue to work through that to see how we are going to use them at different times to maximize their potential. They all three showed well for themselves."
A sign of the impact Mark Robinson had with the team releasing last year's fourth-round draft pick Buddy Johnson at middle linebacker. The also released linebackers Ron'Dell Carter, Delontae Scott, James Vaughters and Hamilcar Rashed. Rashed started the final preseason game for the injured Alex Highsmith.
There were several options at receiver deciding to keep Steven Sims and Miles Boykin. They released Tyler Vaughns and Tyler Sneed-each having a game-winning touchdown in the preseason. The also let go of Cody White, who has been a work in progress the last couple of years on the practice squad.
The Davis brothers-Khalil and Carlos were released from the defensive line as was Beaver Falls graduate Donovan Jeter and Henry Mondeaux, who played 15 games for the Steelers last year, 26 in his career.
John Leglue released from the offensive line despite five starts last season, also gone from the o-line—William Dunkle, Adrian Ealy, Chaz Green and Ryan McCollum.
Tight ends Kevin Rader and Jace Sternberger were on the practice squad last year. Defensive backs Chris Steele, Linden Stephens and Elijay Riley-who only joined the Steelers this week, were released.
