Stevenson

Sylvester

Farrior was cut in March, leaving a void at “buck” linebacker. Foote is the favorite as his replacement, but the 31-year-old would be a short-term fix. “Sly,” meanwhile, was a fifth-round pick in 2010 and has contributed mainly on special teams so far, playing only 35 defensive snaps in 2011. He’ll compete for a top reserve role with Pittsburgh’s inevitable rookies at the position.

He’s unlikely to be ready for Week 1. Sylvester’s injury opens the door for impressive rookie Sean Spence to back up Larry Foote. Sylvester appeared in just three games on defense last year. He had four special teams tackles.

The Steelers will move forward with Drew Butler at punter. Sylvester appeared in six games last season, all on special teams. He didn’t record a single tackle and is probably done in Pittsburgh, barring a re-signing for the league minimum.

A 2010 fifth-round pick, Sylvester wasn’t tendered as a restricted free agent after last season. He’s back to play on special teams and serve as depth behind Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote. Sylvester recorded just one tackle in 10 games last year.

Sylvester was part of the Steelers’ final cuts. The 2010 fifth-round pick has appeared in 41 career games, making 22 tackles as a special teams player.

Sylvester, 26 on Friday, made 12 tackles across nine games for the Steelers last season. He’s made two career starts and appeared in 50 games since being the 166th pick in the 2010 draft. Sylvester will provide depth this summer.

Sylvester was signed as linebacker depth after the Bills lost WLB Kiko Alonso for the season with a torn ACL. The 26-year-old has appeared in 50 career games.

Sylvester was cut by the Steelers just before Week 1, but they’ve grown sour on Kion Wilson.

Sylvester was a productive outside linebacker at Utah, but he’s limited as an NFL prospect. Never much of a pass rusher, the Steelers can hope he helps fix their awful kickoff coverage units.

An outside linebacker at Utah, Sylvester is moving to the inside mack spot with the Steelers. Along with second-rounder Jason Worilds and fourth-rounder Thaddeus Gibson, he’ll be charged with improving the Steelers’ leaky kickoff coverage unit.