PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers placed Brett Keisel on injured reserve a day after the veteran defensive end sustained a torn triceps during a 35-32 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The move confirmed that Keisel suffered a season-ending injury, something that became evident in the aftermath of Pittsburgh's fifth loss of the season, and one that could also mean the end of his Steelers career.
Pittsburgh signed journeyman defensive end Clifton Geathers to take Keisel's spot on the 53-man roster. Geathers has played in 37 games since the Cleveland Browns took him in the sixth round of the 2010 draft. Geathers is with his sixth team.
The Steelers had to go outside the organization to find Keisel's replacement after losing two developmental defensive ends earlier this season. Josh Mauro and Nick Williams had been on Pittsburgh's practice squad before signing with the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.
Keisel is signed through next season, but the 13th-year veteran turned 36 in September and the Steelers could move forward without him, something they were prepared to do before re-signing the 6-6, 285-pounder in August.
He signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Steelers but only his signing bonus ($500,000) was guaranteed. The Steelers would absorb a $250,000 salary cap hit in 2015 if they release Keisel after this season.
Keisel, a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, played in 12 games this season and recorded 17 tackles and a sack while also intercepting a pass. He was also credited with 12 quarterback pressures and five passes broken up.
Rookie Stephon Tuitt should get more snaps with Keisel out, especially when the Steelers go to their nickel package on defense. The second-round pick is a player around whom the Steelers hope to build on defense, but he has played sparingly behind Keisel, Cameron Heyward and Cam Thomas.
Tuitt will likely replace Keisel in the nickel and team with Heyward in the package that employs an extra defensive back and takes the nose tackle off the field.