Chris

Carter

Woodley left Sunday’s win over the Patriots midway through the third quarter and never returned, but he may have just been cramping. Woodley recorded two more sacks before leaving, giving him six in his last three games and nine on the season. He was temporarily replaced by fifth-round rookie Chris Carter.

The rookie fifth-rounder out of Fresno State totaled just three tackles as a special teamer this season. The Steelers couldn’t afford to wait on his hamstring injury with a glaring need at running back.

Worilds’ wrist issue is proving to be much more severe than originally thought. He remains on the active/PUP list even though he claimed he just had a “cleanup” procedure more than two months ago. Second-year man Chris Carter has been filling in for James Harrison (knee) with the first-stringers.

Carter added some healthy offseason weight and has always possessed edge-bending pass-rush ability. He’s looking good on the practice field filling in for dinged-up James Harrison and Jason Worilds. “He’s a never-say-die guy,” described Steelers LBs coach Keith Butler. “He’s Clark Haggans. I feel like he’s going to be quicker and maybe a little stronger when he does learn.”

Carter is James Harrison’s backup. He started the first three games of the year, recording six tackles and no sacks. Since then, the 2011 fifth-round pick has been a special teamer. The Steelers promoted LB Marshall McFadden from the practice squad to fill Carter’s roster spot.

Harrison continues to take things slow in his recovery from right knee surgery. The Steelers have a bye in Week 4, giving him an extra two weeks of rehab. Backup Chris Carter will start again this week.

It comes with an $80,000 signing bonus. Carter is a journeyman reserve linebacker/special teamer. He appeared in 14 games between the Ravens and Colts last season.

Carter, a former fifth-round pick of the Steelers, spent about a month on the Colts’ active roster earlier this season. He’ll pitch in on special teams if active Sundays.

He’s taking the roster spot of OLB Cam Johnson (triceps, injured reserve). Carter appeared in 13 games for the Steelers last season, making one start. He’ll slot in behind Bjoern Werner, Erik Walden and Jonathan Newsome.

Carter, a 2011 fifth-round pick of the Steelers, loses his roster spot to fellow OLB Victor Butler. He had played just two defensive snaps for the Colts all season.