THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PITTSBURGH -- Backup quarterback Charlie Batch returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers by signing an US$895,000, one-year contract that includes a $50,000 signing bonus.

The move Thursday was expected because Batch has been working out with the Steelers since missing last season with a broken right collarbone. Byron Leftwich replaced Batch as Ben Roethlisberger's backup, but he signed a $7.5-million, two-year deal with Tampa Bay.

Batch has been the Steelers' primary backup since signing with the Steelers in 2002. He has played in 22 games since then, starting four times.

The Steelers also released running back Gary Russell, who signed with them as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He scored a touchdown during their 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl.