PITTSBURGH — Najeh Davenport was released Saturday by the Steelers, five weeks after they brought back their former top backup running back following a number of injuries.
Davenport, the Steelers’ starter during their wild-card playoff loss to the Jaguars in January, was let go even though starter Willie Parker is not expected to play today against the Colts because of a sore shoulder.
Davenport’s roster spot was taken by linebacker Donovan Woods, who was taken off the 53-man roster last month but was added to the practice squad. Woods has played on special teams in four games this season.
Davenport, a former Packers player, spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with Pittsburgh but was released in June.
He was re-signed last month after Parker injured a knee, first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season with a shoulder injury and fullback Carey Davis sprained an ankle.
Redskins release Torrence
ASHBURN, Va. — The Redskins waived cornerback Leigh Torrence to make room for new signee DeAngelo Hall.
Hall agreed to a one-year deal with the Redskins on Friday, less than a week after being cut by the Raiders. He signed his contract after passing a physical.
Torrence joined the Redskins as a free agent in December 2006. He played in all 16 games last season as well as all nine games this year.
Colts’ Hayden remains inactive
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis cornerback Kelvin Hayden will be inactive for the fifth straight game when the Colts play the Steelers.
Hayden started the first four games but has not played since Oct. 5 against Houston, when he injured his knee. He was expected to return last week but hurt his hamstring.
Others ruled out of today’s game are receiver Roy Hall (knee) and defensive tackle Daniel Muir (hamstring).
Tuck’s fine taken back
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The NFL has rescinded a $7,500 fine against Giants defensive end Justin Tuck for a hit on Cowboys quarterback Brooks Bollinger last weekend.
Tuck was penalized for roughing the passer. The league originally determined that Tuck had unnecessarily driven Bollinger to the ground on a third-down play in the fourth quarter.
The Associated Press
