FanHouse Donovan Woods

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released Najeh Davenport. Again.

Najeh Davenport was released Saturday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, five weeks after they brought back their former top backup running back following a number of injuries.

Davenport, the Steelers' starter during their wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville in January, was let go even though starter Willie Parker is not expected to play Sunday against Indianapolis because of a sore shoulder.

It is quite interesting that they did this since Parker won't play today, but he did have a bum hamstring and has gained all of five yards this season. Pittsburgh used the roster spot to bring back linebacker Donovan Woods from the practice squad.

And when you discuss Davenport, you have to mention the fact that the Dump Truck was arrested in 2002 for burglary and mischief when he blew mud in a woman's laundry basket.

When it came to the final spots on the Steelers' roster, special teams were what mattered.

Roy Lewis was one of the team's big surprises during training camp, as he showed the versatility to play cornerback and safety, giving him the chance to develop into a very useful swing defensive back.

But when it came down to choosing the final defensive back, Anthony Madison's special teams ability won out. Madison finished the preseason with three special teams tackles during the preseason--Lewis had one. Madison also had experience as a gunner on special teams last year.

And at linebacker, the Steelers decided to keep undrafted free agent Donovan Woods, who had 2.5 special teams tackles and a fumble recovery. He did also have two sacks on defense, but it's his special teams ability that may help the Steelers this year, something mentioned here last week.

Oklahoma State's Donovan Woods will line up in his fourth position in as many years this fall. The 6-2, 225-pound Woods has previously been a quarterback, free safety and strong safety for the Cowboys. In 2007, he will line up at the modestly-named "star" position. According to OSU coaches becoming a Star means being utilized as a linebacker/safety hybrid.

"We did it a lot at Ohio State," said new defensive coordinator Tim Beckman following the Cowboys' 94-play situational scrimmage on Friday. "It's just one position where we can utilize him."

Donovan is keeping a positive mindset, which is refreshing in a time of rampant "me first, gimme, gimme" attitudes in college sports.

"Plans change," Woods said. "Only one person has the true plan for us, so I kind of look at it that way." "I knew I had the potential to play a lot of positions," Woods said. "I can look at it and say, 'Wow, I really have played four positions in four years,' but I'm continuing to get an opportunity. I'm thankful for that."

And you can't blame the Cowboys for attempting to utilize Donovan anyway they can. He is after all, the last of the long line of Woods brothers to come through Stillwater. Donovan was preceded at Oklahoma State by siblings Rashaun and D'Juan, who are both in the top five in receptions and receiving yards for the Cowboys.