Steelers released CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle. Combined, the moves give the cap-strapped Steelers $3,537,500 more to work with in terms of base salary. McFadden, 30, plummeted down the depth chart in 2011, falling behind Ike Taylor, William Gay, and Keenan Lewis. He could resurface as a nickel or dime back elsewhere, but has been picked on frequently in recent seasons. The 32-year-old Battle was only a special teams player.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bryant McFadden has lost his starting left cornerback job. McFadden has practiced for three week and the hamstring is no longer issue, but he's still being replaced by William Gay and Keenan Lewis. Pittsburgh's 157.5 passing yards per game leads the NFL, so McFadden won't be getting his job back any time soon.

Steelers LCB Bryant McFadden (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 4. William Gay will draw another start, with Keenan Lewis sending him to the slot in nickel packages. The Texans' aerial attack will represent a stiffer test than the Colts did last week.

Steelers LCB Bryant McFadden's (hamstring) status is in doubt for Week 2. McFadden is officially questionable, but the Steelers are strongly considering going with eighter Keenan Lewis or William Gay opposite Ike Taylor after McFadden practiced "sparingly" on Friday. McFadden missed the entire preseason with a groin injury before coming down with his hamstring ailment.

Bryant McFadden could be the "odd man out" at cornerback with the Steelers. McFadden is a known mediocrity whereas 2009 third-rounder Keenan Lewis could step in at left cornerback and show improvement throughout the season. The Steelers are also leery of losing young CBs such as Crezdon Butler and Cortez Allen, leaving McFadden's $2.5 million salary as a factor.