Steelers’ Haden on track to return

PITTSBURGH » Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden isn’t taking anything for granted.

The eight-year veteran, who has never played in the playoffs, experienced a scare when he broke his leg a month ago against Indianapolis. Five weeks later, Haden has recovered to the point where he’s on track to play Monday when the AFC North champion Steelers (11-3) visit the Houston Texans (4-10).

“Once I found out that I didn’t need surgery, and it was going to be four to six weeks, my whole goal was to make sure I could get back within the regular season, so when I come into the playoffs, there’s no question, I’m ready to go,” Haden said.

Haden spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. Pittsburgh signed the twotime Pro Bowler on the eve of the regular season after he was released by the Browns.

Haden is excited to have an opportunity to see the playoffs this season.

“Every time I was in Cleveland, around Week 13 or 14, we kind of knew we were eliminated from playoff contention,” Haden said. “This is a whole different vibe. This is what we’ve been fighting for the whole season and I love it because you have so many people who have been in it already and I’m just kind of following their lead.”

Steelers cut Harrison

PITTSBURGH » James Harrison’s long tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over.

The AFC North champions released the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2008 NFL defensive player of the year on Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert is returning from a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.