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Steelers Release Running Back Najeh Davenport

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Jun 28, 2008 8:34 pm US/Eastern

Steelers Release Running Back Najeh Davenport

PITTSBURGH (AP) ― Running back Najeh Davenport was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team couldn't work out a trade for Willie Parker's former backup.

Also released were safety Mike Lorello, long snapper Jared Retkofsky and offensive lineman Doug Legursky.

Davenport rushed for a career-high 499 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season. But he was ineffective as a starter in the Steelers' final two games after Parker broke a leg Dec. 20.

Davenport was held to 25 yards on 16 carries in a 31-29 wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville. He gained 27 yards on 12 attempts in a season-ending loss at Baltimore.

The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore.

That meant Davenport had little chance of making the team, and the team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell.

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