Cody Wallace‘s season has ended before it even started. According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter), the Steelers have placed the offensive lineman on the injured reserve. To take his place on the roster, the team has signed cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz.
Wallace has been battling a mystery knee ailment for the entire season, preventing him from taking the field. The backup lineman originally suffered the injury during the preseason, and the ailment was initially diagnosed as a hyperextended knee. However, over time, it was clear that the lineman also suffered bone bruising, and Wallace’s knee showed little response to treatment. In his absence, B.J. Finney has served as the team’s interior backup lineman.
The former-fourth rounder has bounced around a bit during his nine-year career, as the lineman has also spent time with the 49ers, Lions, Jets, Texans and Buccaneers. Wallace had a bit of a breakout season in 2015, starting all 16 games in place of injured lineman Maurkice Pouncey. The 31-year-old has made 49 NFL appearances, and he signed a three-year extension with the Steelers back in 2014.
Shabazz, an undrafted free agent out of West Chester in 2015, has also spent time with the Colts and Buccaneers. The 24-year-old has appeared in one game this season, collecting one tackle.