Steelers re-sign P Berger

Nov 24, 2008 - 6:26 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to give Mitch Berger another chance.

The Steelers on Monday resigned the veteran punter who was released after struggling with kicks of only 27, 32 and 35 yards in a 23-6 victory at Washington on November 3.

Berger, who had been bothered by strained hamstrings in both legs, averaged 41.9 yards on 42 punts prior to his release.

To make room for Berger, the Steelers released Paul Ernster, who had handled the punting duties for the past three games.

Ernster spent most of training camp with Pittsburgh, but averaged only 31.6 yards on 12 kicks as Berger's replacement.

Punting has been a major problem all season for the Steelers, who rank 31st in average yards per punt.

Berger, 36, originally signed with the Steelers following Daniel Sepulveda's season-ending knee injury in training camp.