The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced they have signed Ross Ventrone from the practice squad, releasing receiver/returner Jacoby Jones in a corresponding move.
Ventrone was signed to the practice squad earlier this week as part of the domino effect from placing Roosevelt Nix on injured reserve. L.J. Fort was initially promoted to replace him and now, is joined by Ventrone. Ventrone was a core special teamer at the beginning of the year for the Steelers before an injury led to his release. He spent a brief time with the New England Patriots before rejoining the team.
His promotion may be an indication the team doesn’t feel confident in Doran Grant’s chances of playing Sunday. The rookie corner is listed as questionable with a groin injury.
Jones was an aggressive attempt to jump start the Steelers’ return unit. Instead, he just overheated it. It boiled over during the Sunday night game against the Indianapolis Colts where Jones fumbled away the opening kickoff and muffed a punt later in the game. That prompted Mike Tomlin to bench him and Jones has been inactive ever since. Frankly, many pegged Jones to be gone several weeks ago. On nine kick returns, Jones averaged 24.4 yards, nearly a full yard less than what Dri Archer accomplished.
The Steelers now have one practice squad position open. It’s unclear if they will fill it before Sunday’s game.
