Okobi, Haynes among those cut by Steelers
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Chukky Okobi, who came to training camp as the starting center, and running back Verron Haynes were among the players cut today by Coach Mike Tomlin as the Steelers reduced their roster to the final 53-player limit, the Post-Gazette has learned.
Also included in the cut were three rookie draft choices - defensive end Ryan McBean, a fourth-round pick; guard Cameron Stephenson (fifth) and wide receiver Dallas Baker (seventh).
Defensive end Shaun Nua, a seventh-round choice in 2005, and former special teams co-captain Chidi Iwuoma were also cut.
Haynes, a fifth-round draft choice in 2002, has been the team's third-down back for most of his career. But three of his previous five seasons have ended early because of knee injuries, including last season when he missed the final nine games.
Also cut were fullback John Kuhn, quarterback Bryan Randall, receivers Walter Young and Gerran Walker; tight ends Cody Boyd and Jon Dekker, tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Torrey; nose tackle Scott Paxson, linebacker Ron Stanley and Rian Wallace; cornerbacks Anthony Madison and Jovon Johnson; and safeties Grant Mason and Mike Lorello.
The Steelers made a trade today before finalizing their 53-man roster, acquiring veteran cornerback/return specialist Allen Rossum, 31, from the Atlanta Falcons for a conditional draft choice.
To make room for Rossum, who has returned three punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns in his 10-year career, the Steelers also cut center Marvin Phillip, a sixth-round draft choice in 2006.
More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First Published September 1, 2007 4:44 pm
