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.