Monday, September 01, 2003

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

During his five years with the Steelers, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala captured the fancy of their fans, who shouted "Fuuuuuuu" whenever the 254-pound back picked up a healthy gain.

	When healthy, running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala was a valuable player for the Steelers. (Peter Diana, Post-Gazette) Click photo for larger image.

Unfortunately, that did not happen often enough because injuries reduced his playing time through the years. He and Coach Bill Cowher admitted that his latest injury, a pulled hamstring 10 days ago, likely led to his release yesterday.

"It's hard, man, it's hard," a dejected Fuamatu-Ma'afala said after meeting with Cowher yesterday. "I've never been on the wrong side of the fence before. I just have to move on."

Others joined him as Cowher released six players and put one on injured reserve as the Steelers reached their 53-man roster limit.

Hank Poteat, drafted in the third round from Pitt in 2000, was the only other veteran released. Poteat never materialized into the cornerback the Steelers thought he might become and had occasional success as a punt returner.

Three rookies were cut -- halfback Dante Brown, fullback J.T. Wall and defensive end David Upchurch, along with wide receiver Khori Ivy, who spent last season on their practice squad. Defensive end Brett Keisel, a second-year player, was placed on injured reserve after he had shoulder surgery yesterday morning. He cannot play this season.

By waiving Brown and cutting Fuamatu-Ma'afala, the Steelers decided to go with one fewer running back than last season. They have three halfbacks -- Amos Zereoue, Jerome Bettis and Verron Haynes -- and lone fullback Dan Kreider. They probably will try to sign Wall to their practice squad, and maybe Brown, who led them with 106 yards rushing in the preseason. Teams can sign practice squad players after 4 p.m. today.

The beneficiary of their decision to go with just four backs was Matt Cushing, who made the team as their fourth tight end. He also can play fullback.

Cowher said they talked to some teams about trading Fuamatu-Ma'afala, but there were no takers.

"It was very tough," Cowher said. "He's been an integral part of this team since he's been here. I've shared a lot of experiences with him. He's one of my favorite players. But I think you look at where we are with Amos and Jerome and the emergence of Verron Haynes, at this point, where would he fit in on the field? It's a tough situation but that's where we are."

Fuamatu-Ma'afala's hamstring was injured on the opening kickoff of the third preseason game, Aug. 16, against Philadelphia. It was the latest in a long list of injuries that kept him off the field. He had only 23 carries in eight games last season because of separate injuries to his ribs and chest muscle. His healthiest and best season was 2001 when he ran for 453 yards on 120 carries. His 23 carries last season were his next most with the Steelers.

"The Steelers have a good team this year and I wish them my best," Fuamatu-Ma'afala said. "I'd just like to say Pittsburgh is always going to be in my heart. The fans are unbelievable. You go to different places when we play other teams, the fans are not even close."

The Steelers' 53-man roster also includes six wide receivers. They acquired Freddie Milons, a wide receiver/kick returner, from the Eagles in a trade Saturday for a conditional draft choice. That trade allowed them to release Poteat.

"The biggest thing is we like what he can do from a return standpoint," Cowher said. "He's a young receiver; we liked him last year coming out. He does give you kind of a backup for releasing Hank Poteat. The redeeming quality we felt with Hank was his return ability. We feel like Freddie can give us that as well as a young receiver that's still developing."

The Steelers will begin preparation today for the season opener Sunday against Baltimore at Heinz Field.

NOTES -- Cowher declined to name his starting right tackle, either Todd Fordham or Oliver Ross. Both have ankle injuries, but Ross will practice today and Fordham by Wednesday. ... WR Chris Doering, whose ankle was sprained Friday, will practice Wednesday. ... The breakdown of the roster: three quarterbacks, four backs, six wide receivers, four tight ends, nine offensive linemen, six defensive linemen, nine linebackers, nine defensive backs and three specialists. Four of the five draft picks made the roster. ... Among the teams that may have an interest in Fuamatu-Ma'afala are New Orleans, New England and Jacksonville.

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