close

Steelers trade for veteran kicker

4 min read
article image -

PITTSBURGH – Maybe the third time will be a charm. At least that’s what the Steelers hope.

With placekicker Garrett Hartley out with a hamstring injury, the Steelers made a trade with Jacksonville Monday to acquire veteran Josh Scobee, their third placekicker of this preseason.

Scobee, 33, was with the Jaguars since 2004. He made nearly 81 percent of his career kicks, including nearly 62 percent from 50 yards or more. His career long of 59 yards in 2010 was a game-winner against Indianapolis, one of eight game-winning field goals he’s made in the NFL.

The deal became a necessity when Hartley, who was placed on injured reserve yesterday, suffered a hamstring injury in the Steelers’ 43-19 loss Saturday at Buffalo.

Hartley was signed three weeks ago when Shaun Suisham suffered a torn ACL Aug. 9 in the preseason opener against Minnesota in the Hall of Fame Game.

“I haven’t played with three kickers, period, let alone three in the same preseason,” said long snapper Greg Warren, who has been with the Steelers since 2005.

Warren said with a veteran such as Scobee, it won’t take long to get the timing of kicking field goals and extra points in order.

“He’s a great kicker,” he said. “With a guy like Josh, the first day we get together, we’ll have 15 or 20 minutes together and we’ll be good to go.”

Scobee, who arrived in Pittsburgh Monday afternoon, will see his first action for the Steelers Thursday night at Heinz Field against Carolina. Jacksonville’s all-time leading scorer, Scobee lost that job to Jason Myers.

Scobee’s salary was an issue. He was scheduled to earn $3.4 million this season

The Steelers, who gave up a sixth-round draft pick, will take on half of Scobee’s $3.4-million salary this season. The Jaguars will pay the other half. Scobee will be a free agent at the end of the season.

“I think he’ll be great,” said Steelers cornerback Antwon Blake, who played with Scobee two years ago in Jacksonville. “He’s a great competitor and great kicker. He’ll be just fine.”

One area where Scobee will be an upgrade for the Steelers is kickoffs. Scobee had 37 touchbacks last season on 63 kickoffs. Suisham had 32 on 89.

“Offense and defense start with great field position,” said Blake. “I feel like he’ll be putting us in a lot of great positions.”

The trade was the second made by the Steelers in this preseason. They dealt a fifth-round pick, which could rise to a fourth-round selection based on playing time, to Philadelphia to acquire cornerback Brandon Boykin early in training camp.

Steelers make roster moves

In addition to Hartley, second-round draft pick Senquez Golson was placed on injured reserve. Golson had surgery two weeks ago after injuring his shoulder at mini-camp.

Offensive tackle Mike Adams was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List. He is ineligible to practice or join the active roster until after the sixth week of the regular season.

Adams had back surgery shortly before the Steelers reported to training camp July 25.

The moves were made as the Steelers reduced their roster from 90 to 75 as required by the NFL.

Tight end Cameron Clear, defensive end Niko Davis and tight end Ray Hamilton were placed on the Waived/Injured List.

Ten other players, including former California University receiver C.J. Goodwin, were released.

This is the second straight year Goodwin, who played basketball at Bethany and football at Fairmont State before transferring to California for his senior season, has been released in the first round of roster cuts. He was re-signed to the Steelers’ practice squad last year.

Also released were guard Miles Dieffenbach, wide receiver Kenzel Doe, running back Braylon Heard, defensive end Joe Kruger, defensive tackle Joe Okafor, offensive lineman Collin Rahrig, cornerback Jordan Sullen, offensive tackle Kevin Whimpey and safety Ian Wild.

The Steelers must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today