The Pittsburgh Steelers completed their roster cut on Friday, September 4th 2009. Unlike previous years, the Steelers surprised they’re fans by a few shocking roster cuts. The only two players cut from this past April’s draft include Ra’Shon “Sonny” Harris and local standout center A.Q Shipley. Although a few players including Shipley and Harris are cut, that is not an indication that the two will not become valuable members of the Pittsburgh Steelers squad even this year. However, there is no guarantee these players will clear waivers. The Steelers are very deep this year and one must assume that several other teams are eyeing the Steelers roster cuts.
And now for a list of the Steelers more surprising roster cuts:
1) Isaac Redman – The undrafted free agent from Bowie State was a standout during training camp and preseason particularly in the redzone drills. Isaac Redman was expected to make the 53 man roster and take over for short yardage and goaline duties in replacement of Gary Russell. Unexpectedly, Redman was cut in favor of another rookie, Frank “The Tank” Summers, a 5th round pick from UCLA.
2) Donovan Woods – A solid special teams player, Woods was in the progress of learning both inside and outside linebacker positions. Last year, he proved to be a proven commodity on special teams. This year, as well as last, Woods has looked like an up and coming player stuck behind the depth of the Steelers linebacking corp. With Woods’ success in special teams, and his position flexibility, his cut seems a bit shocking.
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3) Jason Capizzi – Another local favorite, Capizzi was cut. The 6-9, 325+ pound tackle had high hopes of making the team this year. Capizzi showed position flexibility playing both left and right tackle.
4) Carey Davis – The starting fullback and special teams ace, Davis is one of the most surprising cuts. Davis’ special team’s duties are expected to be replaced by Frank Summers. The signing of Summers is mostly due to him saving two roster spots. He can play fullback and be the short yardage back that the Steelers desperately need.
5) Bruce Davis – The second year outside linebacker from UCLA is one of the most disappointing cuts. He was expected to make significant strides in his second year but his play hasn’t progressed to the liking of Coach Tomlin and company. Davis has also struggled on special teams which normally spells doom for a young player on a deep Steelers team. Patrick Bailey, linebacker and special teams player of sthe year, received the roster spot in replacement of Davis.
6) Anthony Madison – Another special teams standout, Madison was a victim of the two impressive rookie cornerbacks, Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett. Lewis and Burnett provide the Steelers a mechanism to get younger in the defensive backfield. Both players proved their worth during training camp and in the preseason.
