Bengals Re-Sign LB Jeanty, Acquire HB Russell
Release from the Bengals: The Bengals today re-signed LB Rashad Jeanty, one of the team’s restricted free agents. Also today, the Bengals acquired HB Gary Russell on waivers from Pittsburgh.
Jeanty (6-2, 245; Central Florida) is a fourth-year NFL player. He was one of Cincinnati’s most productive performers last season on defense and on special teams. He played in every game, with 15 starts at SLB, and ranked fourth on the team in tackles (97). He also ranked second in special teams tackles (15).
“Rashad sets the pace and the level of physicality for our linebacking group,” said Jeff FitzGerald, Bengals LBs coach. “He shows it every day. He’s earned everything he’s achieved in football, coming up through the Canadian League, and he still has that mindset.”
Also last season, Jeanty tied for the team lead in forced fumbles (two) and added a special teams fumble recovery and an onside kickoff recovery. He has played 38 games for Cincinnati over the past three seasons, with 31 starts. He was voted by teammates and the athletic training staff as the 2008 team winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to a player from each NFL team who “demonstrates commitment to the values of sportsmanship and courage.”
Russell (5-11, 215; Minnesota) is a third-year NFL player. He joined the Steelers in 2007 as a college free agent, and over the last two seasons he has played in 15 regular season games and four postseason games.
Russell capped his 2008 season by scoring a touchdown on a one-yard run in Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl XLIII victory over Arizona. He has five career TDs, three in regular season play and two in postseason. He has 35 career rushes for 98 yards in regular season play, and last year he also worked as a kickoff returner, averaging 23.2 yards on 16 attempts.
Also last season, Russell tied for fifth on the team in special teams tackles (nine) and tied for third in postseason special teams tackles (three).
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