Steeler news: Zereoue recovering; Jones cut
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Amos Zereoue is recovering from a liver ailment that hospitalized him for three days and is expected to miss next week’s minicamp. In other news, the Steelers on Monday released inside linebacker Mike Jones, a one-time Super Bowl star for the St. Louis Rams.
Zereoue lost 15 pounds this spring after doctors found a cyst on his liver, forcing him to live on a diet of apple and orange juice.
Still, the former West Virginia running back was elated after learning the cyst could be treated with antibiotics. Doctors had found a dark spot on his liver during an exam after the 25-year-old Zereoue had intense abdominal pain.
Doctors were unable to make a diagnosis for two days.
“A lot of stuff goes through your mind,” Zereoue said. “Life … things like that. You’re a young guy, you wish things would have happened differently earlier in your life.”
Just before being stricken, Zereoue signed a $1.227 million, one-year contract – a higher-end salary for a backup running back. He rushed for 515 yards last year and scored three touchdowns in the playoffs.
Zereoue is working with a trainer, but may not be ready to resume a full workout schedule until training camp opens in late July.
The Steelers have been holding voluntary workouts since May 16. Their weeklong minicamp is next week.
Jones’ release did not come as a surprise. He was signed by the Steelers last year as insurance to protect Kendrell Bell, who was drafted in the second round. But Bell developed more quickly than expected, taking most of the playing time away from Jones.
Bell went on to be named the NFL defensive rookie of the year.
Jones, 33, is best known for the game-saving tackle on Tennessee’s Kevin Dyson on the final play of the Rams’ 23-16 Super Bowl victory in January 2000.
Although Jones, who signed a three-year contract last year which included a $250,000 signing bonus, did not start a game with the Steelers, he played in 15 games. Jones finished last season filling in for Earl Holmes, who was sidelined with a knee injury, in some defensive schemes late in the season.
Jones will count $83,333 against the salary cap but Pittsburgh will save his $750,000 salary.