The Pittsburgh Steelers released safety Damon Cromartie-Smith on Wednesday to make room for rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu on the roster.
Ta'amu rejoined the team on Monday after a two-game suspension for a dangerous drunk driving incident. Ta'amu was arrested on Oct. 14 for multiple felony charges, including nearly running over police officers with his vehicle while drunk. Pittsburgh selected Ta'amu in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft; his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8 at which point he could face more discipline. After rejoining the team the Steelers had a 48-hour roster exemption before having to cut someone.
Cromartie-Smith joined the 53-man roster on Saturday to play special teams in Pittsburgh's 27-12 win over the Washington Redskins. Prior to last week he had been a member of the Steelers' practice squad. If Cromartie-Smith clears waivers, it's expected that Pittsburgh will resign him to the practice squad.
The Steelers take on the New York Giants on Sunday.