Steelers Sign RB Jeremy Wright, Waive K Danny Hrapmann
May 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Jeremy Wright (37) runs play during the rookie minicamp at the Giants Timex Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Pittsburgh’s coaching staff suffered a bit of a scare yesterday when Le’Veon Bell and Isaac Redman left practice with injuries. Thankfully for the Steelers, the injuries to Bell and Redman are reportedly minor. Despite the fact that both running backs should be ready to play on “Opening Day,” it came as no surprise today when the Steelers inked a free agent running back for insurance purposes for the duration of the preseason.
According to the Steelers’ team website, Pittsburgh’s brass signed Jeremy Wright (5’9″ 197 lbs.) to provide some depth at running back. Wright, who was a member of the Giants earlier this offseason, set career-highs in a number of categories last year for Louisville.
The former Cardinal rushed for 824 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012, and did his fair share in the passing game as well. Last fall, Wright also caught 41 passes for 325 yards and one touchdown. Wright even returned his fair share of kickoffs during his collegiate career, and took one return back for a score as a redshirt freshman in 2010.
Wright should provide some added competition for Alvester Alexander, and both backs should duke it out for a practice squad berth over the next few weeks.
To make room for the running back, Pittsburgh waived backup kicker Danny Hrapmann. I feel a bit bad for Hrapmann, particularly because he has performed well in the Steelers’ preseason games over the last two seasons. The former Southern Mississippi Golden Eagle however has had the unfortunate luck of competing against an absolutely “money” Shaun Suisham during the last two years.
I just hope that Pittsburgh’s brass will keep Hrapmann on speed-dial if Suisham reverts back to his inconsistent “2011 form.”
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