Aaron Smith placed in injured reserve

Steelers Place DE Smith on Reserve/Injured List; Sign Rookie DE Harris
 
 
PITTSBURGH ─The Steelers announced today that 11-year veteran defensive end Aaron Smith was placed on the team's Reserve/Injured list with a shoulder injury and will miss the remainder of the 2009 season.
 
Smith, who had already recorded two quarterback sacks this season, was originally selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft and is the third-longest tenured player on the team's roster. He has started 142 of the 150 games played during his career and did not miss a game since becoming a starter in 2000 until injuring his biceps during the 2007 season.
 
The Steelers replaced Smith on their active roster by signing rookie defensive end Ra'shon "Sonny" Harris off of the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. Harris (6-5, 300) was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round (205th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Oregon. He was released by the Steelers during final roster cuts prior to the regular season and was subsequently claimed to Carolina's active roster.
 
Harris played in two games (Weeks 2 and 3) and recorded two tackles (one solo) for the Panthers this season. Carolina released Harris and added him to their practice squad before he was re-signed by the Steelers.
 
Harris will wear uniform No. 77 for the Steelers.