Steelers begin trimming roster
By Dale Lolley
Staff writer
dlolley@observer-reporter.com
PITTSBURGH – The Steelers began the process of trimming their roster to 75 players on Sunday, releasing eight players and placing two others on injury lists.
Offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins, a fourth-round draft pick this year, was placed on the Reserve/Injured list. Hawkins, a product of LSU, has been dealing with shoulder injuries throughout training camp and the preseason.
The team also released linebackers Jordan Zumwalt and Mike Reilly, wide receivers Issac Blakeney and Levi Norwood, tight end Michael Cooper, defensive end Giorgio Newberry, punter Will Monday, defensive tackle Khaynin Mosley-Smith, and cornerback Julian Whigham.
Quarterback Dustin Vaughan was waived/injured. Vaughan, who had showed some promise at training camp, suffered a fractured thumb in the Steelers’ 17-0 Week 2 preseason loss to Philadelphia.