Najeh Davenport, a member of the Colts these days, had 80 total yards, and midseason darling Donnie Avery had 40 yards and a score while sitting on waiver wires.




(espn.com)

TERRE HAUTE — It didn’t take running back Najeh Davenport very long to become a fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

The 6-foot 1, 247-pound Davenport, a fourth-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2002, had played in four games with the Pittsburgh Steelers this season before he was waived on Nov. 8. A day later, the Steelers faced Indianapolis at Heinz Field.

“They [Pittsburgh] let me go, then they brought me back, then they let me go, then they brought me back, then they let me go and then I got the call here,” Davenport said Thursday. “I was supposed to go to the New York Jets [after he was waived by the Steelers the last time]. They called me and told me that they were going to bring me in [early this week]. And then [Monday night] I got the call to come here. I got here Tuesday.

“They [Pittsburgh] released me [right before the Colts game] and brought me back the next Wednesday. And then played like two more games [with the Steelers]. When I got released [on Nov. 8], I was rooting for the Colts [to win the Nov. 9 game].”

He got his wish. Indianapolis won 24-20.

Davenport was intrigued about coming to Indianapolis and playing with an offense that featured quarterback Peyton Manning. He had heard good things about the team from former Colts running back Edgerrin James and current receiver Reggie Wayne. All three are University of Miami alums.

“I wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I was kind of happy when I got the call,” he said, adding that the toughest thing to pick up has been the offensive terminology. The basic offense is the same as what he work with in Pittsburgh.

“The only thing I knew [about the Colts] was what E.J. told me and what I learned from Reg. From the outside looking in, I thought that [picking up the offense would be] hard. But when I talked to E.J. and Reg, they said it wasn’t that hard.”
(tribstar.com)

The team signed Najeh Davenport, 29, who has been on and off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster the last three seasons. The Colts (9-4) like Davenport’s familiarity with the offense – Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is a former quarterbacks coach with Indianapolis – and he is likely to spell running back Dominic Rhodes at times, and he could return kicks.

“He’s a very good downhill runner,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said. “I think he’ll do fine for us. At this point in time, you’re looking for someone who has experience in your system and he has it.”

(journalgazzette.net)

Well, running back Najeh Davenport’s revolving door in Pittsburgh has finally come to an end.

Davenport signed with the Colts today, a league source tells us.

Davenport was drafted by the Packers several years ago, and has been an on-again, off-again member of the Steelers over the past couple of seasons.

(pft.com)

The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted DT Scott Paxson from their practice squad to their 53-man roster and released RB Najeh Davenport. The team re-signed CB Roy Lewis to take Paxson’s spot on the practice squad.



(steelers.com)

Najeh Davenport worked out for the Broncos earlier in the week but was not signed. On Tuesday he worked out for the St. Louis Rams and took a physical but was yet to be signed.



(ffmastsermind.com)

ESPN is reporting that the Steelers have waived reserve running back Najeh Davenport to make room for the return of linebacker Donovan Woods on the roster. This is the second time in less than six months that the Steelers have cut Davenport..

This move comes as a surprise given that it has been reported that Willie Parker will not play against the Colts, and that it was only two weeks ago that Mike Tomlin described Davenport as “the only option” as a kick returner.

Davenport was waived by the Steelers in early June when he became expendable after they signed Mewelde Moore and drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the NFL draft. They quickly resigned Davenport in October after Mendenhall and running back Carey Davis were injured in a game against the Ravens, while Willie Parker was already nursing a sprained MCL.

During his second stint with the team, Davenport only carried twice for five yards, but he returned ten kickoffs garnering a respectable 21.5 yard average.

(espn.com)

Katmandu: Ed, what is the love affair with Najeh Davenport? Fast Willie will be back next week, Moore is solid, and Gary Russell is more than competent. Why not sign a kick returner instead of a big back who plays small like Davenport? Do you anticipate Davenport getting released? I'd much rather have Patrick Baily back on the roster anyways.

Ed Bouchette: Davenport is more than a kick returner. He is insurance in case another RB goes down. With Mendenhall on IR, I would expect Davenport to stick the rest of the season. And, if there's a kick returner out there who is all that good he would not be unsigned.

(post-gazzette.com)

There were times recently when Najeh Davenport thought he would never play football again. He had been exploring other avenues, whether in the financial world or scouting, in an effort to get on with his life’s work.

“It was like what’s next,” said Davenport. “One thing I had to learn was acceptance and patience. I didn’t know if I would play football again.”

But as we all know life has interesting twists and turns. One man’s misfortune can open the door for another. And for Davenport, that is what happened.

When Rashard Mendenhall suffered a season-ending fractured shoulder and Carey Davis sprained his ankle on Monday night against the Ravens, the Steelers needed an experienced back. That’s when Davenport’s phone rang.

“I was on a plane for part of the game headed to Milwaukee,” said Davenport. “I only saw the end of the game. But my friends started to call and told me about the injuries. Then, about one in the morning my phone rang and I was told I had a flight to Pittsburgh at seven am. That’s how it works.”

Davenport signed with the Steelers on Wednesday and was out on the practice field that afternoon raring to go.

“If it comes to it and I get the opportunity to play this week, I am sure I can do it,” said Davenport.

No starter has been determined yet, but the Steelers at least now have three healthy backs with Mewelde Moore who came through in the clutch against the Ravens, Gary Russell who was signed off the practice squad and Davenport. Head coach Mike Tomlin knows Moore and Russell are ready to go and he is hoping the same is true of Davenport.

“It’s our goal that he’s going to contribute in some form or fashion this weekend,” said Tomlin. “There are going to be some factors that determine that and of course one of them is his overall level of conditioning and another key factor is how quickly he comes back up to speed from assignment standpoint.

“He’s aware of the culture that we have here. He’s aware of the standards that we set. He’s been on this bike before. He has to get back on it and ride.”

So far, he hasn’t had trouble doing that.

“I feel comfortable just hearing some of the stuff called and getting my self familiar with it and just going over plays in my head,” said Davenport. “I am cool with it.”

(steelers.com)

With starter Willie Parker hurting and backup Rashard Mendenhall out for the season, the Steelers today signed running back Najeh Davenport. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Davenport worked out for the club late this morning and signed a contract early this afternoon. He played for the Steelers the past two years but was released after the Steelers drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round in April.

Davenport reportedly "looked to be in good shape" during his tryout before signing with the Steelers Tuesday.
The Steelers probably wouldn't have brought back Davenport if he was not in shape, but the 247-pounder has never been the most physically fit back. He is a candidate for 6-10 touches and goal-line carries in Week 5.

The Steelers will sign one more back, likely Gary Russell from their practice squad.

(cnnsi.com)

The Lions have not said they are in the market to add a running back, but they might be interested in adding one more veteran at the position before or during training camp. Most recently, free-agent RB Najeh Davenport, late of the Steelers, reportedly has said he favors the Lions and Cardinals as possible landing spots. The Lions’ potential interest is not for a lack of bodies there — the team is, in theory, stocked with Tatum Bell, rookie Kevin Smith, Brian Calhoun, Aveion Cason and Artose Pinner. The problem is that none of those players, other than Bell, has proven himself as a starting running back for a full season, and Bell was mostly an afterthought during a disastrous first season in Detroit. Smith holds promise but never has taken an NFL snap and might have to overcome some maturity issues to become a dependable full-time back. Davenport may not have the résumé of a starting back, but he has shown flashes of ability and would add size to a smaller group of backs. He also has kick-return experience, something the Lions need to shore up.

(pfw.com)

The Arizona Republic reports free-agent RB Najeh Davenport, released earlier this week by the Steelers, told Sirius NFL Radio that he is targeting the Lions and Cardinals as potential new employers. Cardinals GM Rod Graves said via text message this morning that the Cardinals have no interest.

(ffmastermind.com)

Running back Najeh Davenport is reportedly interested in playing for the Lions and Arizona Cardinals, he told NFL radio according to www.nflgridirongab.com.

Pittsburgh released the backup running back recently after the team couldn't work out a trade for him.

The Lions might want to add another running back after cutting Kevin Jones. The team still has Tatum Bell, third-round pick Kevin Smith, Brian Calhoun, Artose Pinner and Aveion Cason.

Davenport rushed for a career-high 499 yards last season and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. But he was ineffective as a starter in the Steelers' final two games after Willie Parker broke his leg.

Davenport was held to 25 yards on 16 carries in a 31-29 wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville. That was after he gained 27 yards on 12 attempts in a season-ending loss at Baltimore.

The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore, moves that meant Davenport had little chance of making the team. The team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell.

Davenport played with the Green Bay Packers from 2002-04. He was in the final year of a contract worth $1 million in 2008.

In April, Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Cleveland Municipal Court. He was accused of slapping and punching the mother of his 5-year-old son at her Cleveland home in October.

In 2002, Davenport was arrested at his alma mater, the University of Miami, accused of breaking into a university dormitory and defecating in a woman's closet. He denied the accusation. According to published reports, he was charged with one count of criminal mischief and one count of burglary. But the charges were dismissed in exchange for Davenport teaching a series of football clinics.

(freep.com)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Running back Najeh Davenport was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday after the team couldn't work out a trade for Willie Parker's former backup.

Also released were safety Mike Lorello, long snapper Jared Retkofsky and offensive lineman Doug Legursky.

Davenport rushed for a career-high 499 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season, but was ineffective as a starter in the Steelers' final two games after Parker broke a leg Dec. 20.

Davenport was held to 25 yards on 16 carries in a 31-29 wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville after gaining 27 yards on 12 attempts in a season-ending loss at Baltimore.

The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore, moves that meant Davenport had little chance of making the team. The team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell.

Davenport played with the Green Bay Packers from 2002-04. He was in the final year of a contract worth $1 million in 2008.

In April, Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Cleveland Municipal Court. He was accused of slapping and punching the mother of his 5-year-old son at her Cleveland home in October.

(sportingnews.com)

When the Pittsburgh Steelers picked running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the 2008 draft, it became fairly obvious that veteran Najeh Davenport would be the odd man out.

And that’s precisely the case.

A league source tells us that the Steelers are shopping Davenport, calling teams to gauge potential interest.
Davenport is signed through 2008, and he’s scheduled to earn a base salary of $1 million this season.  He rushed for 499 yards on 107 carries in 2007.

(profootballtalk.com)

When Najeh Davenport was signed prior to the 2006 season, the intention was to make him change-of-pace back — a guy who could fill the role vacated by the departure of Jerome Bettis, providing the “oompf” to Willie Parker’s “wow.”  No razzle, no dazzle, just hit-the-head-pin-hard pounding for the tough yards.

Unfortunately for both Davenport and the Steelers, a notable reluctance to attack holes in the line has led to a much less-than-stellar return on the investment, at least where the original intentions are concerned.  While he filled in admirably after Parker, then the league’s leading rusher, went down for the count in week 16, it wasn’t what the previous coaching staff envisioned for the former fourth-round pick.  And, after a season is in the books, I would say it’s safe to color the new coaching staff largely unimpressed, too.

This isn’t the first time Davenport has faced the task of out-performing his peers; the Steelers signed Kevan Barlow in the spring of 2007, a move that was, at the time, considered by many to be a welcome addition to the roster.  However, Barlow failed to perform in training camp and was cut well before the season started.  Facing competition only from unproven commodities Carey Davis and Gary Russell and then-third-down back Verron Haynes, Davenport ultimately was named the team’s second-string runner.

The competition for 2008 looks, on paper at least, to be considerably tougher.  Free-agency acquisition Mewelde Moore is considered by many to be a very capable back who was released by Minnesota because of a very crowded — and highly talented — Viking backfield.  Moore provides another runner in the Parker mold, though, so he won’t be performing any power-back roles.  However, he is likely to take over the third-down role, as he is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield and has a better burst than Davenport, making him a perfect fit for screens and short routes, and a much better candidate for draws.

On the power side of things, there are options there, too.  Carey Davis is likely to fill the role of fullback whenever needed unless Dan Kreider is healed up from a torn ACL and is re-signed.  Second-year runner Gary Russell has had a season to learn the playbook and is a very inexpensive alternative to Davenport.  Then, of course, there’s first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall, who was an excellent power runner in college, hits holes with reckless abandon, and has outstanding speed for a back his size.  Heck, he has very good speed for a guy Parker’s size.  Think a young Edgerin James with better downfield legs.

In all likelihood, there just won’t be room on an already crowded and expensive roster for a guy whose production has not really equaled his price tag, probably leaving Davenport as the odd man out.

(mvn.com)

The Steelers selected Illinois’ RB Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, a surprising selection, considering the Steelers already had Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Najeh Davenport. Mendenhall was a talent that the Steelers’ organization just couldn’t pass on, however, and as a result, they’ll need to make room for another RB on the roster.

We’re hearing that Najeh Davenport will be that casualty. The 29 year old Davenport has had run-ins with the law over the last few years, and while he’s very talented, his work ethic has been questioned by the coaches though, as he tends to disappear at times.
Mendenhall is expected to split time with Willie Parker, who is recovering from a broken fibula. While Parker will likely start, the rookie will see just as many reps.

(thereisnooffseason.com)

CLEVELAND, Oh. -- A Cleveland jury reached a verdict in the trial of Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Najeh Davenport Wednesday night.

Davenport was found not guilty on all counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and unlawful restraint.

Davenport took the stand to testify Wednesday and denied the charges brought against him.

Earlier this week, Anita Person, the mother of Davenport's child, testified that Davenport slapped and choked her and punched her stomach.

Police said Davenport and Person got into a scuffle last October when he went to Cleveland to pick up the 5-year-old.

If convicted, Davenport could've faced up to 14 months in jail.

(wpxi.com)

CLEVELAND (KDKA) ― The prosecution rested its case in the trial of Steeler Najeh Davenport.

He's charged in connection to an alleged fight with Anita Person, a former girlfriend and the mother of his 5-year-old son, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Davenport is accused getting into a physical altercation with Person over custody of the boy.

Javonne Rankin, of New Castle, Davenport's friend, witnessed the incident and took the stand in his defense.

She told the jury how a weekend visit turned into an ugly confrontation and described the fight.

"She grabs ... the head rest and just sits on Ali, he's in the child seat behind me, and I'm just in shock so I sit back, like against the dashboard and just like in total shock that this is going on," Rankin told the court.

"And Najeh starts yelling, 'Get off my son, get off my son!' and, 'You're crazy,' just like pleading her, 'Get off her son' and Najeh's just trying like get her to move, like, 'What are you doing?' ... He stopped the car."

Davenport is expected to take the stand in his own defense on Wednesday and then the case will go to the jury for deliberations.

(kdka.com)

Steelers running back Najeh Davenport is scheduled to take the stand in his own defense today in a jury trial in Ohio in connection with a domestic violence incident involving the mother of his son.

Davenport, 29, is on trial in Cleveland Municipal Court on charges of punching and choking Anita Person, 27, of Cleveland during an Oct. 4 child custody dispute outside her home.

Davenport told police that he was supposed to have his 5-year-old son for the weekend, but Person took the child away from him, according to Cleveland police. The jury could begin deliberations later today.

(pittsburghonline.com)

CLEVELAND (AP) - A woman who accused Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport of domestic violence testified today that he slapped and choked her and punched her stomach.

Anita Person, the mother of Davenport's 5-year-old child, said Davenport had physically abused her on several occasions, at times more severely.

The Steelers player is charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangering. City prosecutors say he slammed Person to the ground, hit her and tried to choke her after he drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland on Oct. 4th to pick up his 5-year-old son for a weekend visit.
Davenport's attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, has said photos showed that Person had no marks on her face and neck.

If convicted, Davenport could face a jail sentence of 14 months and a suspension from the National Football League.

Cleveland prosecutors today said Pittsburgh Steeler Najeh Davenport slammed the mother of his child to the ground, hit her and tried to choke her after a custody dispute in October. They said he stopped only when some youths surrounded him.

Davenport's attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, said Davenport did not hit the child's mother, Anita Person, whom he called a "drama queen.'' He said photos showed that Person lacked any marks on her face and neck.

The trial is expected to take two or three days in Cleveland Municipal Court. Davenport is accused of several misdemeanors, including domestic violence, child endangering and unlawful restraint.

If convicted, Davenport could be suspended by the National Football League for as much as four games without pay. Last year, Davenport earned $1 million from the Steelers, according to USA Today database of player salaries.

Prosecutors said Davenport drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland on Oct. 4 to pick up his son, Najeh Jr, for a weekend visit.

They claim that Davenport told Person that she would never see her son again. That prompted Person to open Davenport's Range Rover as he was pulling away. She grabbed the child and began leaving when Davenport confronted her.

Prosecutors said he slapped Person, slammed her to the ground and tried to choke her. Neighborhood witnesses yelled for him to stop, and some youths playing basketball at a nearby court came to see what was going on.

D'Angelo said pictures of the woman showed no injuries. He said Davenport is a 6-foot-2, 260-pound running back, and if he did what prosecutors said, the woman would have suffered serious injuries.

(plaindealer.com)