PITTSBURGH — The Steelers made two roster moves today along the defensive line after losing one of their most veteran players to injury.

 

The team announced that nine-year veteran defensive end Aaron Smith has been placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a biceps injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Smith was injured in the Steelers’ Week 14 game at New England. He had never missed a game prior to this season due to injury.

 

A member of the 2005 AFC Pro Bowl squad, Smith has started 121-of-129 games played during his career at left defensive end. Originally drafted in the fourth round (190th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft, Smith has registered 429 tackles (331 solo) and 36.5 sacks during his career. Only three players on the Steelers roster — 10-year veterans Alan Faneca, Hines Ward and Deshea Townsend — have a longer tenure with the team.

 

The Steelers promoted 2007 fourth-round draft pick Ryan McBean from their practice squad to fill Smith’s place on the active roster. A defensive end from Oklahoma State, McBean (6-5, 290) was the 132nd overall selection in last April’s NFL Draft. He has spent the entire season on the Steelers’ practice squad after being released during the final roster cut of the preseason.

 

McBean will wear uniform No. 95 for the Steelers.