Sep 24, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Photo Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers released James Harrison, the franchise’s all-time sack leader, on Saturday to make room for the return of right tackle Marcus Gilbert.
Gilbert had been suspended for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Harrison, 39, had 80 1/2 sacks in a Pittsburgh uniform, and he had at least five sacks in each of the previous three regular seasons even though his playing time was reduced. He played in just five games this season and had one sack.
Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, told ESPN that Harrison, who signed a two-year contract in March, wants to continue to play.
–The New Orleans Saints added wide receiver Michael Thomas to the injury report for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans.
Thomas, a second-year wide receiver from Ohio State, is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, according to multiple reports. Thomas practiced all week and had not been listed on Friday’s injury report. Team officials did not disclose when the injury occurred.
Thomas has 94 receptions good for 1,085 yards and five touchdowns this year.
If Thomas can’t go, the Saints expected veteran wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. to get the start. Ginn missed last week’s game against the Jets with a rib injury.
–The Houston Texans placed quarterback Tom Savage on injured reserve, ending his season and perhaps his tenure with the club.
In a corresponding move, the Texans promoted tight end Ryan Malleck from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Savage was diagnosed with a concussion that he sustained during the Dec. 9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Savage is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. He completed 56.1 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and six interceptions while leading Houston to a 1-7 record.
T.J. Yates, who signed with the Texans after Deshaun Watson suffered his season-ending injury, will be the Texans’ starting quarterback against Pittsburgh on Monday.
–The Washington Redskins placed running back LeShun Daniels on injured reserve and signed free agent running back Kenny Hilliard.
Daniels injured a hand during practice on Thursday. He had three carries for 14 yards in four games this season.
Hilliard, 26, entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2015. He re-joins the Redskins after spending much training camp and all of the preseason with the team.
