The Steelers made three roster moves today, including signing free
agent tight end Lee Vickers, placing tight end Jonathan Dekker on the Waived/Injured
List and waiving defensive end Kevin Huntley.
Vickers (6-6, 275) was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Steelers as a
defensive end out of North Alabama in 2006 but was released that same season in
training camp. He was then signed as a tight end to the Philadelphia Eagles practice
squad where he spent most of the 2006 season on the practice squad. Vickers was
released by the Eagles and signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007 and played in nine
games as a tight end, starting two. He caught two passes for four yards but was
released last week from the Ravens.
Dekker (6-5, 250) suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Steelers' preseason
game against the Buffalo Bills. He originally signed as a rookie free agent with the
team in 2006 and spent the entire 2006 season and 11 games of the 2007 season on
Pittsburgh's practice squad. He was signed to the active roster for the final five
games of the 2007 regular season, seeing action in three contests.
Huntley (6-7, 290) was waived after failing his physical. He originally signed with
the Oakland Raiders as a rookie free agent from Kansas State in 2006. Huntley played
in the final five games of his rookie season with Oakland and registered 10 tackles,
2.5 sacks and a recovered fumble. He spent the 2007 season with the Atlanta Falcons
and recorded three tackles while playing in five games. The Steelers claimed him
last week from the Washington Redskins.
I like Vickers. He was one of the "offseason phenoms" of last season, but didn't work out as a defensive player. But the former quarterback and pitcher is a superior athlete who has some special teams experience.
© In other news, it appears the Steelers are targeting Tuesday for Troy Polamalu's return to the field. That would mean Polamalu would see some action in Saturday's game at Minnesota.
4 comments:
So Dekker was a victim of the Skydome turf. We're lucky we got out of there with him being the only player we lost. I hope Hines' ankle is OK.
Yeah, that was pretty crappy turf.
Its been a known problem for years in Toronto. The turf is brutal and they did nothing to even think about replacing it. Since they are trying to put their best foot forward with regard to getting an NFL franchise, not a good start. I am sure the players were happy to risk their careers on that surface.
The worst part of it is that Rogers Communications is loaded down with money. They pull in huge dollars from their multiple holdings in cable, internet, cellular and many other home entertaiment products and services.
The Skydome (Rogers Center now) has been a financial boondoggle for the citizens of Ontario (I am one of that number)and after the Blue Jays winning those 2 World Series championships, its been mostly all downhill for the facility.
They would have to do a massive refit to bring the stadium up to snuff and may have to build a brand new one to satisfy the demands of the NFL. NOt likely to happen if they taxpayers are in any way on the hook for it.
IN short, I think the NFL coming is a pipe dream. And that turf is some indication that I may be right.
Now comes Orpheus Roye...
The Steelers have signed veteran defensive tackle Orpheus Roye, who started his career in Pittsburgh A sixth-round draft pick in 1996, Roye played four seasons for the Steelers before signing with the Browns.
The 6-4, 330-pounder played for the Browns from 2000-07. He had 37 tackles (24 solo) and half a sack last season in 13 games.
The Steelers had signed defensive end Kevin Huntley late week but he flunked a physical and they waived him Saturday, opening up a roster spot.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_583438.html
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