Jordan Dangerfield

Steelers Sign Dangerfield, Waive Isaiah Lewis

Leave a reply

Jordan Dangerfield got a little respect this week. Saturday the Steelers announced they had waived Isaiah Lewis and signed safety Jordan Dangerfield. It’s getting hard to keep track of how many times the Steelers have signed the former Towson DB. He held his own in preseason last year, but didn’t make it out of training camp cuts.

Lewis was somewhat of a fan favorite. The undrafted free agent who was signed in January was known for his hard-hits.

The Steelers have been dealing with many defensive injuries during training camp, resulting in many roster changes over the past few days.

GEA408541

Clifton Geathers To IR, DE Okafor Signed

Leave a reply

It’s that time of year when teams are making frequent roster moves. This time, the Steelers faced the disappointing decision to place veteran DE Clifton Geathers on injured reserve. No immediate word was given as to the nature of his injury. The 6’8″ Geathers had previously played with the Eagles and Redskins. To fill the opening, the team signed DE Joe Okafor.

Okafor was an UDFA in the 2014 draft. After playing for Oklahoma State in 2011, he played at Lamar University from 2012 to 2014. He received an honorable mention for All-Southland Conference in 2014.

https://youtu.be/l1ckGJ7XnbI

 

The loss of Geathers is a hit to the defensive line depth chart, and pretty much solidifies Cam Thomas’ roster spot. The move does open the door for Ethan Hemer, L.T. Walton, as well as Joe Kruger. It will be interesting to see who steps forward during preseason and takes advantage of the extra playing time.

Rob Blanchflower

Steelers Waive TE Blanchflower, Claim TE Hamilton

Leave a reply

Tight end Rob Blanchflower has been waived/injured to make room for tight end Ray Hamilton, who the Steelers claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys. Hamilton, out of Iowa, had been acquired by the Cowboys on May 9th as an undrafted rookie. During his 4 years at Iowa, he caught for 305 yards in 29 passes.

Blanchflower was a seventh round draft pick by the Steelers in the 2014 NFL Draft. I thought Blanchflower was a steal coming out of UMASS, but he just couldn’t escape the injury bug.

If he should clear waivers he would find himself on the Steelers injured reserve list. However, from there he’ll likely be waived with an injury settlement.

le'veon bell

Le’Veon Bell’s Suspension Has Been Reduced To 2 Games

Leave a reply

The NFL has reduced Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell’s suspension from 3 games to 2 this afternoon.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/626108117395222528

Bell was originally suspended for 3 games, and 4 game checks back in April stemming from charges of possession of marijuana and driving under the influence last summer. Bell will now only miss the first two weeks- vs. the Patriots and 49ers. He will also only lose 2 game checks.

He’ll still be able to participate in the preseason games, but will not return to the team facilities until September 21st.

 

Le'Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell Negotiating A Settlement With The NFL

Leave a reply

ESPN reports that the NFL and Le’Veon Bell are in the process of negotiating a settlement that would reduce his suspension to one or two games.

https://twitter.com/DanGrazianoESPN/status/626045363653316608

Bell received a 3 game suspension this spring for his arrest last summer on charges of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. The running back was sentenced to 15 months probation and was able to enter a pre-trial intervention program. Bell also received a 60 day suspension of his driver’s license.

The Steelers face the Patriots week 1, and they’ll do so without Bell. Whether or not he’ll be able to play against the 49ers or St. Louis for weeks 2 and 3 will be determined soon.

Ross Ventrone

S Ross Ventrone Carted Off Field After Leg Injury

Leave a reply

Steelers safety Ross Ventrone suffered an injury to his right leg during practice today. According to multiple reports, Ventrone was taken to the lockers on a cart.

https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/625774415679258624

I think Kaboly meant “shoe”, not show. According to David Todd of ESPN, Ventrone picked off a Ben Roethlisberger pass and the receiver inadvertently dove into Ventrone’s shin. That receiver was Eli Rogers if you’re wondering.

Ventrone was activated from the practice squad last October due to injuries on the active roster. Ventrone never saw playing time on defense, but contributed on special teams.

We’ll have to wait and see how serious his injury is.

steelers training camp

5 Players Start Camp On PUP List

Leave a reply

The team announced today that the following five players will begin training camp on the PUP list. Gradkowski (shoulder), Adams (back), Lemon (achilles), Pouncey (foot), and Golson (shoulder) are all starting camp on PUP.

Lemon’s achilles injury is reportedly a strain. Pouncey is considered day to day with a foot sprain. Mike Adams is coming off a back surgery (7/20) and will need approximately 4 weeks recovery. No immediate word on the severity of Golson’s shoulder.

Mike Adams’ surgery certainly hurts the tackle’s chances of making the roster. His injury is also an opportunity for players like Mitchell Van Dyk and Villanueva.

steelers

Steelers Vs Packers Preseason Game Time Changed

Leave a reply

The kickoff time for the Steelers first home preseason game has been changed. The game was originally set to start at 8:00 pm, but will now be kicking off at 1:00 pm. The change was made to accomodate the Pittsburgh Pirates “Sunday Night Baseball” game that was recently announced.

The preseason home opener will still be televised in Pittsburgh on KDKA-TV.

kevin-colbert

Steelers Extend GM Kevin Colbert Through 2018

Leave a reply

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they have extended Kevin Colbert’s contract today. The financial terms of GM deals are very rarely made public, but the extension will keep Colbert under contract through 2018.

“I am happy to announce that we have extended Kevin Colbert’s contract for two additional years,” said Steelers’ President Art Rooney II via the team’s website. “Kevin’s work and footprint on our football operations have been a key factor in our success. We are excited Kevin will continue to lead our personnel department for at least the next three years.”

Colbert was the Pro Scouting Director for the Detroit Lions before joining the Steelers in 2000. The team promoted the former BLESTO scout to General Manager in 2010.

“I am truly grateful to Art and Mr. Rooney for the opportunity to continue my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert said in a statement. “It is with great anticipation that we enter into the 2015 season in pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”

1d51eded2144b485f19b564db9f67a3c

Steelers Extend Mike Tomlin For 2 Years

Leave a reply

The Steelers announce that they have agreed to a contract extension with Head Coach Mike Tomlin today. The two year extension will keep Tomlin under contract through the 2018 season.

“I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin’s contract through the 2018 season,”  said Steelers’ president Art Rooney II in a statement via the team’s website. “Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”

During his 8 seasons as Steelers head coach, Tomlin has led the team to two Super Bowls (winning one), and has a 82-46 record (.641) in the regular season. The Steelers have made the playoffs 5 times out of those 8 seasons. Tomlin, who was once the youngest head coach to win a super bowl, is now 43 and says his focus is on winning another one.

“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season,” Tomlin said in a statement earlier today. “These past nine years in Pittsburgh have been a wonderful experience for my family, and I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers’ goal every year – bringing another Super Bowl championship to the city of Pittsburgh.”

The financial terms of the deal are not available, and, unlike players contracts, are not often made public. However, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport reports that this deal will put Tomlin among the top 3-5 highest paid coaches in NFL and all sports.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/624267251731025922