In the wake of Aaron Smith's triceps injury, the Steelers have waived linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, the team's fourth-round selection in the 2010 NFL draft. Defensive lineman Steve McClendon will take Gibson's roster spot, as Pittsburgh had only five big men left after Smith went down. Moreover, the team's other starting defensive end, Brett Keisel (hamstring), is doubtful for Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints.
Gibson is a victim of circumstance here, not of his own inability. The Steelers have plenty of depth at linebacker, so it makes sense that head coach Mike Tomlin made this difficult decision:
"Linebacker is our deepest position, and (Gibson) is the low man on the totem pole...It's just one of the casualties of this profession. It's very much a reality, and that's why we don't take what we're doing here for granted and we acknowledge that it's precious."