Steelers Make O-Line Moves, Release John Malecki & Sign Cody Wallace

July 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans guard Wade Smith (74) and center Cody Wallace (70) in action during training camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Although the moves themselves were not particularly “Earth-shattering,” the Steelers played some more “Roster Tetris” this afternoon when they released backup guard John Malecki and signed veteran center/guard Cody Wallace according to Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Malecki was far from impressive during his six game stint with the Steelers last fall during which he only played during Pittsburgh’s Week 17 win over the Browns.  His release tells me that the Steelers are comfortable with Kelvin Beachum as the second-string center behind Maurkice Pouncey.  Moreover, Malecki’s release illustrates that Pittsburgh’s brass were comfortable looking elsewhere to shore up the interior of their offensive line with a largely inexperienced player after they made their final cuts.

Like Malecki, Wallace does not possess a large amount of NFL experience either.  The veteran has been “on-and-off” the rosters and practice squads of the 49ers, Lions, Jets, and Texans since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by San Francisco.  Overall, Wallace has only played in nine career games, and the 28 year-old has yet to start at the NFL level as well.

I for one am anxious to see what Wallace can bring to the table in terms of depth.  In addition, if injuries strike like they did last fall, then Pittsburgh might have to turn to the former Texas A&M Aggie if Beachum is pressed into duty somewhere else along the offensive line or at tight end.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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