The Steelers have released running back Najeh Davenport, who started the AFC playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was the top backup to Willie Parker the past two seasons.

After drafting running Rashard Mendehall with the No. 1 pick and signing veteran Mewelde Moore in free agency, the Steelers tried to trade Davenport because he no longer fit into their plans.

Davenport, a fourth-round draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 2002, was also released because the team did not want to part with second-year free agent Gary Russell.

In addition to Davenport, the Steelers released three other players to reduce their roster to 82 players: Safety Mike Lorello of West Virginia, who spent parts of two seasons on the practice squad; first-year long-snapper Jared Retkofsky and rookie offensive lineman Doug Legursky.

The Steelers have to get to 80 players before the start of training camp July 27.