Combines Sign Michael Pittman

(Lind, WA) - The struggling running back corp of the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines got some much needed good news today when the team claimed RB Michael Pittman off of waivers Wednesday morning. Pittman is returning from a three game league suspension and will move into the Buccaneers starting lineup due to the season ending injury to RB Charlie Garner. Last season Jones rushed for 751 yards and caught 75 passes for 596 yards while splitting time with RB Thomas Jones.

Combines coach Brandon Sparks called the move a turning point for the team. "We needed some serious help at running back. I've got a second round draft pick who never even touches the ball. Needless to say our situation isn't nearly what we had hoped. Now we have a starter who should, at the very least catch some passes and it could get this season going in the right direction."

To make room for Pittman the Combines released injured running back Ron Dayne. "I'm not ready to give up on T.J. Duckett yet so Ron was the odd man out," said Sparks. "Neither really deserves a roster spot but I can't drop my second rounder yet."

The Combines also made another move on Wednesday signing the Steelers defense and releasing the Chiefs defense. The Steelers shut down the Miami Dolphins last week and should continue to play well against the Bengals in week 4. Sparks said that he will make a decision whether he will start the Steelers or the Buccaneers on defense Thursday or Friday.