The Steelers have placed LB Larry Foote, C Maurkice Pouncey and RB LaRod Stephens-Howling on the team's Reserve/Injured List, it was announced today.
All three suffered season-ending injuries in the Steelers' Week 1 contest vs. Tennessee. Foote suffered a right bicep injury, and both Pouncey and Stephens-Howling suffered right knee injuries.
To fill the roster spots, the Steelers signed RB Jonathan Dwyer, C/G Fernando Velasco and K Shayne Graham.
Dwyer (5-11, 229, 4) was released by the Steelers on August 31, 2013. In 2012, Dwyer led Pittsburgh in attempts (156), rushing yards (623) and tied for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns. Dwyer recorded 100-yard rushing performances in back-to-back weeks, becoming the first Steelers running back to rush for 100 yards in consecutive weeks since 2008. He was originally drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round (188th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Velasco (6-4, 312, 4) was released by the Tennessee Titans on August 31, 2013. He appeared in all 48 games with the Titans from 2010-12 making 19 starts, including 16 starts in 2012. Velasco spent the 2008-09 seasons on and off the Titans' practice squad and active roster. He originally signed with the Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 2, 2008.
Graham (6-0, 210, 12) was released by the Cleveland Browns on August 31, 2013. Graham has appeared in 155 career regular-season games and five postseason contests. He has spent time with the Houston Texans (2012), Miami Dolphins (2011), Baltimore Ravens (2011), New England Patriots (2010), New York Giants (2010), Cincinnati Bengals (2003-09), Carolina Panthers (2002) and Buffalo Bills (2001). Graham has connected on 245-of-287 FGs and 368-of-373 PATs. He is currently the seventh-most accurate kicker in NFL history (85.4%).
