The Pittsburgh Steelers trimed their roster today to get within the NFL designated 53 man limit, with veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex and punter Justin Kapinos leading the list of cuts.

Charlie Batch, assumed by many to be on his way out, was spared the ax.

As expected, third round draft pick Sean Spence, who tore two ligaments in the Steelers preseason finale vs. Carolina, was placed on injured reserve.

It is possible that first round pick David DeCastro will be placed on the injured reserve list, making use of the new rule that allows teams to bring back one player from IR after the first eight weeks of the season.

Sound that move materialize, it is widely expected that Trai Essex will return to the Steelers, yet it would not be surprising if the Steelers were to look to the waiver wire to bolster their ailing linebacker corps.

Among those waived included 7th round picks wide receiver Toney Clemons and cornerback Terrence Frederick. DeJuan Harris, a running back the Steelers picked up on waivers only a few days ago, also got a visit from The Turk.

The rest of the Steelers cuts include:

Quarterback Jerrod Johnson,
Safety Damon Cromartie-Smith,
Cornerback Josh Victorian,
Linebackers Brandon Hicks and Marshall McFadden,
Defensive lineman Corbin Bryant, Ikponmwosa Igbinosun and Jake Stoller,
Wide receivers Derrick Williams, Marquis Maze, Tyler Beiler, and David Gilreath
Offensive linemen Ryan Lee and John Malecki

Damon Cromartie-Smith spent time on the Steelers practice squad last year but was beaten out by Robert Golden. Derrick Williams and David Gilreath both had their moments in preseason, but the Steelers opted to go with only 4 wide receivers. Corbin Bryant also had a strong preseason and will likely return via the practice squad.

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