Russell, in his second season out of Minnesota, made the Steelers roster in 2007 as an undrafted rookie free agent and was with the team for the first two games this season before he was released on Sept. 20.

Davenport, a fourth-round draft pick by Green Bay in the 2002 NFL draft, joined the Steelers as a veteran free agent in 2006.

In six NFL seasons, he has rushed for 1,788 yards with 14 touchdowns on 384 carries and three scores after 50 pass receptions for 484 yards.

Davenport demonstrated his versatility by adding 1,660 yards on 73 kickoff returns, an average of 22.7 yards.

Pittsburgh lost rookie Rashard Mendenall when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Monday's 23-20 overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens and leading rusher Willie Parker is out with a sprained left knee.