Steelers sign LB Chris Ellis to practice squad
Following the loss of Thaddeus Gibson to the San Francisco 49ers, the Steelers have signed linebacker Chris Ellis to their practice squad following a tryout.
Ellis played collegiately at Virginia Tech, where he was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.
The 6’4″, 261 pound linebacker was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft.
Ellis was cut by the Bills on October 11, 2010.
Other Steelers news
In a move that probably sounds like deja vu, the Steelers signed Ra’Shon “Sunny” Harris to their practice squad. Harris was originally drafted by the Steelers in the 2009 NFL draft. Harris then signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers then waived him, and the Steelers signed him back. Then the Steelers cut him following training camp, and Harris signed with the buffalo Bills. But the Bill cut him, and so the Steelers have signed him again. Got all that?
Harris will add depth to the Steelers’ defensive line roster that has been depleted by injuries. With Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith both injured, their back-ups Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason have been called upon to start. This left little additional depth on the defensive line. Steve McClendon has already been called up from the practice squad several times, and the addition of Harris adds another player who is familiar with the Steelers’ system, and who can be called up in case of an emergency.
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