National Football League
Steelers replace injured OL Colon
National Football League

Steelers replace injured OL Colon

Published Jul. 21, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

It was only a matter of time before the Pittsburgh Steelers placed OT Willie Colon on injured reserve after he suffered a torn Achilles in late June. On Wednesday the team replaced Colon on the 80-man roster by signing journeyman OL Adrian Jones, who’s capable of playing either guard spot or right tackle but probably is better off at guard, a personnel source said.

The Baltimore Ravens trimmed their 80-man roster by waiving C Digger Bujnoch, a source confirmed, leaving the team with just two centers.

As expected, Cincinnati Bengals backup G Jason Shirley was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. Shirley, drafted as a defensive tackle in the fifth round in 2008, will miss the entire season due to an Achilles injury.

The Chicago Bears, who selected BYU RB Harvey Unga in the seventh-round of last week’s supplemental draft, signed him to a four-year deal this week. The big, athletic back will compete with holdovers Garrett Wolfe and Kahlil Bell to be the third-string back.

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The Bears also waived two undrafted free agents: WR Vic Hall and DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen.

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with sixth-round pick Jamar Wall (CB, 5-10, 204, Texas Tech). According to a source, Wall signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.97 million, with a signing bonus worth roughly $97,000.

Wall was unable to participate in drills during the combine due to a hamstring injury, but his game tape was strong enough for Dallas to select him. Wall, who is known in scouting circles for his aggressive and physical play, figures to compete for a job as the team’s fourth cornerback in training camp.

In addition to waiving WR John Matthews this week, the Indianapolis Colts waived undrafted free agent S Donye McClesky. When seventh-round pick Ray Fisher signs, they’ll have nine safeties under contract.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed the fourth of their six draft picks, coming to terms with sixth-round pick Scott McGee (CB, 5-8, 182, James Madison). A source said he agreed to a four-year deal worth just over $1.87 million. The small-school product figures to compete for a roster spot in training camp as a slot cornerback.

The Jags also claimed WR John Matthews off waivers after he was waived by the Colts on Tuesday.

Veteran WR Eddie Kennison was placed on the Chiefs’ Reserve/Retired list and removed from the roster Tuesday, a day after he signed a ceremonial one-day contract.

Kennison was selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 1996 Draft and last played in the NFL with the Rams in 2008. He also played for the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints during his 13-year career.

Miami Dolphins placed veteran NT Jason Ferguson on the Reserve/Retired list the week after he announced his retirement after 13 seasons. Veteran DL Randy Starks will move from end in Miami’s 3-4 defense to nose tackle to replace Ferguson. Fourth-year NT Paul Soliai also will compete for snaps.

The New England Patriots reeled in two more players from their Draft class Wednesday: seventh-rounders Kade Weston (DT, 6-5, 315, Georgia) and Zac Robinson (QB, 6-3, 218, Oklahoma St.)

According to a source, Weston signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.83 million with a signing bonus worth just shy of $40,000. Weston figures to compete against second-year DL Myron Pryor for the backup nose tackle job in training camp.

Robinson signed a four-year deal worth just less than $1.83 million. He struggled mightily with passing accuracy during Senior Bowl week practices, but rebounded quite nicely during his solid combine performance, as he threw the ball with better zip and accuracy. Robinson is projected to be the No. 3 quarterback.

New England still has four unsigned draft selections (two first-rounders, two second-rounders).

It’s not a secret in league circles that the Philadelphia Eagles have been looking to improve the interior depth of their offensive line. With that in mind, a personnel source notes that the Eagles put in a waiver claim for G Paul Fanaika, who was waived last month by the Washington Redskins. But Fanaika, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 Draft, was claimed by the Cleveland Browns. The source said three other teams put a claim in for the offensive lineman, who didn’t dress for a single game as a rookie.

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