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Steelers finalize 53-man roster

By Mark Kaboly
By Mark Kaboly

PITTSBURGH — Landry Jones did just enough to not get the call Saturday.

The Steelers cut 22 players to get down the NFL-mandated 53, and Jones, last year's fourth-round pick, wasn't among them.

Jones threw for only 224 yards in three preseason games and didn't lead the Steelers on a drive that resulted in a touchdown. However, it was enough for the former Oklahoma quarterback to make the roster.

Jones completed 14 passes for 97 yards in the Steelers' 10-0 loss to Carolina on Thursday. The 6-foot-3, 221-pounder was sacked six times in the preseason. He will back up Ben Roethlisberger and Bruce Gradkowski.

The Steelers kept as many quarterbacks on their final roster as running backs. Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount and Dri Archer are the only running backs on the 53-man roster.

The Steelers kept six wide receivers with Darrius Heyward-Bey and Justin Brown making the roster.

Although the Steelers didn't have any surprising cuts, they released a pair of veterans, two of whom contributed last year and a couple of up-and-comers.

Veteran offensive lineman Guy Whimper, linebacker Chris Carter, tight end David Paulson, receiver Derek Moye (Rochester), rookie tight end Rob Blanchflower (seventh-round pick), cornerback Shaquille Richardson (fifth-round pick), defensive lineman Josh Mauro and linebacker Howard Jones were released.

Rounding out the cuts were tight end Bryce Davis; cornerbacks Isaiah Green and Dayonne Nunley (Gateway); safety Ross Ventrone (Chartiers Valley); running backs Josh Harris and Stephen Houston; defensive linemen Ethan Hemer, Roy Philon and Nick Williams; linebacker Dan Molls; quarterback Brendon Kay; wide receiver Lanear Sampson and offensive linemen Graham Pocic and Will Simmons.

The biggest surprise could be Howard Jones, a rookie out of Shepherd College. Jones had five tackles and two fumble recoveries in the preseason.

Many players who were released could be signed back to the practice squad if they clear waivers. The Steelers may sign up to 10 practice squad players after noon Sunday.

The Steelers also could add players to the 53-man roster who were released by other teams.

This article was written by Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

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