Steelers begin roster purge, cutting 11 a day after preseason finale

Less than 24 hours after wrapping up their preseason — but four days before the league-mandated deadline to trim rosters — the Pittsburgh Steelers announced 11 cuts.

No overly notable names were among those cut from the offseason/training camp 90-man roster, with 10 of the 11 combining for 30 regular-season games of NFL experience. The 11th, veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide, spent four days with the organization.

A 37-year-old, 15-year NFL veteran, McQuaide was signed after long snapper Christian Kuntz suffered a chest injury during the Steelers’ home preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. McQuaide handled the duties during Thursday night’s win at the Carolina Panthers. His release signals Kuntz’s injury isn’t necessarily going to prevent him from playing in the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at the New York Jets.

Also released Friday after getting signed Monday were outside linebacker Kenny Willekes and offensive lineman Julian Pearl. Quarterback Logan Woodside, tight end Kevin Foelsch and cornerbacks Mikey Victor and Kam Alexander were signed after training camp started and let go Friday.

Others released were running back Evan Hull, former West Virginia offensive lineman Doug Nester, safety Quindell Johnson and cornerback Kyler McMichael.

The moves get the Steelers down to 80 players. An additional 27 players need to be removed from the roster by 1 p.m. Tuesday, albeit the injured-reserve list and potential trades, etc., could spare some from getting released.