Former Lumberjack Ernster Signed by Steelers

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Pittsburgh Steelers signed fourth-year free agent punter Paul Ernster to their roster Nov. 5 and released veteran punter Mitch Berger.

Ernster, 26, was claimed off waivers by the Steelers from the Detroit Lions on July 29 of this year, after second-year punter Daniel Sepulveda suffered a season-ending knee injury. Ernster was released Aug. 30, prior to the regular season.

Ernster (6-0, 217) has played in 19 games during his NFL career after a college career at Northern Arizona. He averaged 41.7 yards on 80 punts in 2006 playing for the Denver Broncos, while also serving as a kickoff specialist, kicking off 75 times including 19 touchbacks.

Ernster was active for three games with the Broncos in 2006, and for one game each with the Broncos and the Cleveland Browns in 2007. He was originally drafted by Denver in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He kicked off during the team’s season opener versus Miami during his rookie year before being added to Denver’s practice squad.

The Steelers made room on their roster by releasing Berger, who was averaging 41.9 yards per punt in eight games.