Steelers roster moves: Team announces release of OG Nik Embernate Thursday

The Steelers released 2013 undrafted free agent offensive guard Nik Embernate Thursday, clearing room to sign OL Emmanuel McCray.

According to the team's press release, McCray (6-foot-5, 316 pounds) signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Mississippi May 12. He was released by the Rams on May 15.

Embernate was injured during training camp in 2013 after making a strong impression. Nicknamed "Embernasty" by his college teammates at San Diego State due to his aggressive run blocking, the physical guard appeared to have something of a future early in his time in Pittsburgh.

It's going to be a highly competitive battle among reserve offensive linemen for a spot on the team's 53-man roster, and Embernate's knee may not be giving him the chance to compete at the level he'll need to be at to give him a shot.

That doesn't mean come training camp, he won't be ready to go. For now, though, he's a free agent.

The Steeles also confirmed the release of 2014 UDFA Kelcee Ike and the waiver claim of cornerback Deion Belue.