The Steelers today released starting guard Kendall Simmons, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Simmons had an Achilles tendon torn in the fourth game of last season and was placed on injured reserve and did not play again.

He was their first-round draft choice in 2002 and became their starting right guard as a rookie. He remained their starter except when he spent 2004 on injured reserve and until his injury last season.

They also released linebacker Mike Humpal, a sixth-round draft choice last year. Humpal was on injured reserve with a neck injury.