NFL Notes: Saunders steals spot with Steelers
The Steelers’ 53-man roster includes all the usual names, including captains Ben Roethlisberger, James Farrior, Hines Ward and Arnaz Battle.
One name, however, raised some serious eyebrows on one of the NFL’s most stable teams.
Undrafted free agent tight end Wesyle Saunders survived cut day Saturday and will likely be in uniform next weekend when the defending AFC champions open the season at Baltimore.
Saunders beat out veteran John Gilmore for the third tight end spot behind Heath Miller and David Johnson.
Saunders hasn’t played since his junior year at South Carolina in 2009. He was let go from the team last fall after NCAA officials questioned him about potential agent contact regarding a party.
The team also kept fourth-round pick Cortez Allen out of the Citadel despite an injury-plagued training camp.
Man found dead in Texans player’s pool
Fort Bend (Texas) County Sheriff’s Capt. James Burger said the body of Engram Lamar Crenshaw, 37, of Katy, was discovered on Sunday morning, following a party at Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith’s ranch-style home in a suburb about 30 miles southwest of the city.
Burger said a preliminary examination of the body showed no signs of foul play, but he also said authorities were still piecing together the specific details of his death.
Around the league
The Chicago Bears added to their secondary, agreeing to a one-year deal with two-time Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather, who was recently released by the Patriots. … The Lions released running back Aaron Brown and center Chris Morris and claimed running back Keiland Williams off waivers. … The 49ers added third quarterback Scott Tolzien, claiming him off waivers from the San Diego Chargers a day after releasing Josh McCown. … The Baltimore Ravens agreed to a one-year deal with former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode. The deal will become official when he passes a physical. … The Denver Broncos boosted their secondary by signing free agent cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, who was cut by the New England Patriots last week. … Oakland cut veteran quarterback Trent Edwards. … The Jets waived linebacker Aaron Maybin and claimed backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell off waivers from Miami.