Steelers release Dri Archer, pick up Jacoby Jones

You might remember Jones’ famous return in which head coach Mike Tomlin appeared to trip Jones during a return when he played for the Baltimore Ravens.

As for Archer, the small back/receiver/returner did not produce in any form after the Steelers drafted him in the third round from Kent University in 2014.

The San Diego Chargers released Jones on Tuesday. Archer was the Steelers’ kick returner. Jones, 31, is in his ninth year in the league and the Steelers will be his fourth team.

Jones was returning a kick for Baltimore in November 2013 when Tomlin came dangerously close to tripping Jones as he streaked down the sideline.

For his career, Jones averages 27.1 yards per kick return with five touchdowns. In the three years prior with the Ravens, Jones scored five touchdowns on combined returns.

Jones, a nine-year veteran with 10,000-plus all-purpose yards, was recently released by the San Diego Chargers earlier this week.

Steve Smith Sr., who is the Ravens’ leading receiver this season, picked up a season-ending Achilles injury during their win over the Chargers last Sunday. If he can return to form, he could certainly help a Pittsburgh Steelers team that seems to be just one or two players away from being a playoff team.

Antonio Brown has returned all punts for the Steelers this season, running back 12 for 107 yards. He opened the second half with a 108-yard kick return and also made a great adjustment on an underthrown ball from quarterback Joe Flacco to haul in a 56-yard touchdown to give the Ravens a 21-3 lead late in the first half.