Shayne Graham Signed By Steelers

Dec 16, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans special teams coach Joe Marciano coaches kicker Shayne Graham (17) against the Indianapolis Colts before the game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

I guess that Shaun Suisham’s injured hamstring might be more serious than some of us had originally thought.

With Pittsburgh’s kicker set to miss an extended period of time, the Steelers’ brass made another roster move today when they inked veteran Shayne Graham according to “Pro Football Talk’s” Josh Alper.

I do like the move, particularly because Graham has filled the “stop-gap kicker” role many times during his career.  Despite the fact that Graham was a stop-gap for the Ravens, Dolphins, Giants, and Patriots during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he found a home for the entirety of the 2012 campaign with the Houston Texans.  Overall, Graham finished the 2012 regular season with 138 points and made 81.6% (31-38) of his field goals.

Graham signed with Cleveland in April of this year, but he was released after the preseason when the Browns elected to go in a different direction.  I was a bit surprised that the Steelers did not reportedly “kick the tires” on Danny Hrapmann, especially since the youngster has been in Pittsburgh’s training camp during the last two offseasons.

Nevertheless, I hope that Graham can provide the Steelers’ kicking game with some stability until Suisham can return to the lineup.

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

Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla

Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher