Steelers activate Starks, sign RB Ford

Offensive tackle Max Starks was activated by the Steelers from the physically unable to perform list. He has been recovering from a knee injury.

Pittsburgh also addressed its thin running back position by signing Jason Ford, an undrafted rookie out of Illinois who originally signed with Houston. John Clay, who suffered an undisclosed injury in practice Monday, was placed on the waived/injured list.

The Steelers have been depleted by injuries in the backfield, with Isaac Redman and jonathan Dwyer sidelined from Sunday's practice and Rashard Mendenhall still recovering from ACL surgery.

Clay, who rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries last season, was carted off the field Monday.