PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers right guard Darnell Stapleton has been placed on the injured reserve list with a knee injury and will miss the season.
Stapleton injured his left knee during the first week of training camp and had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage. An undrafted player who started in the Super Bowl, he was expected to be ready by the start of the season.
Coach Mike Tomlin, however, says Stapleton might need more surgery.
Now, Trai Essex will begin the season at right guard.
The Steelers also cut wide receivers Martin Nance and Steven Black, safety Derrick Richardson and center Alex Stepanovich.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press