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Allen Becomes Latest Ex-Steeler To Rejoin Defense

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- The winds of change continue to blow through Dick LeBeau's defense in preparation for their trip to the Meadowlands this weekend.

Strong safety and ten-year NFL veteran Will Allen has re-signed with the Steelers, and, to make room, the team has waived fellow safety Da'mon Cromartie-Smith.

Allen spent the 2010-12 seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with Dallas and being released by the Cowboys Tuesday. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft and has played in 135 career games and five postseason contests.

Last year Allen recorded 34 total tackles, three passes defended and one forced fumble for the Steelers, starting seven of 16 games. With Dallas he made nine tackles and one interception, starting twice in five games.

Cromartie-Smith appeared in ten games over parts of three seasons with the Steelers.

Their defense has yet to force a turnover this season. Head coach Mike Tomlin has made other changes to try and remedy that, not to mention improve his pass rush against rookie Geno Smith, including naming Cam Heyward as his starter at left defensive end in place of Ziggy Hood.

Earlier this week the Steelers also brought back linebacker and gunner Stevenson Sylvester, though it's impossible to say if either of these returnees will be back with the team for the long haul.

Chances are, Tomlin, faced with a rash of injuries to his regulars, simply wants to improve depth with available players who he knows already understand his system.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium between the winless Steelers and 3-2 Jets is set for 1:00 Sunday on KDKA-TV, with Chris Mueller kicking off pregame coverage on SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan at 9:00 A.M.

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