By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
Retkofsky signed - press release
The Steelers signed long snapper Jared Retkofsky after Greg Warren was placed on injured reserve. Warren had successful surgery on his knee after suffering a torn ACL against the New York Giants.
Retkofsky originally signed with the Steelers as a rookie free agent in 2007, but was waived prior to the start of the season. He re-signed in January, 2008 and spent part of the offseason with the team before being waived at the end of June.
Another specialist, punter Mitch Berger, has been battling a hamstring strain in his plant leg and his progress will be evaluated as this week progresses.
"We'll see where he is," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "He was in yesterday and today. We feel like he is going to be okay. We'll see how he responds to the work the practice week gives him.
"We are going to put healthy people on the field. If he is healthy enough to play, he will play. If not we have a decision to make and we'll make the appropriate decisions."
The team did sign punter Ricky Schmitt to the practice squad. Schmitt worked out for the team earlier this season.
"We have a level of comfort with what he is potentially capable of giving us," said Tomlin of Schmitt. "We have a plan in place if Mitch isn't available.
In other injury news safety Ryan Clark is considered doubtful for Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins with a dislocated right shoulder. Although he has progressed better than anticipated, the team is prepared to move forward with either Tyrone Carter or Anthony Smith as the starter if necessary.
"Ty Carter is a candidate (to start), he is a lead candidate," said Tomlin. "Anthony Smith is capable. We are going to watch and make that decision as we move forward later in the week."
Ben Roethlisberger continues to be bothered by the shoulder injury he suffered opening day against the Houston Texans, but it doesn't appear that it will impact him playing this week.
"It was better last week because he very rarely got hit against the Bengals," said Tomlin. "He got hit a few times on Sunday. We'll see how he feels when he comes in here on Wednesday."
Running back Willie Parker worked out on Tuesday and time will tell what his status is for Monday night's game. Linebacker Keyaron Fox is questionable with a hamstring injury and nose tackle Casey Hampton is day-to-day with turf toe, but Hampton is expected to play on Monday night.
Marvel Smith continues to be day-to-day with back spasms and if he is able to go this week would return to the starting lineup. Bryant McFadden will continue to be sidelined with a broken arm, but is making progress. Deshea Townsend will start again this week at cornerback.
