PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AFC : Steelers’ Steed Benched for Steroid Use

Nose tackle Joel Steed, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most consistent defensive lineman, was suspended for four games after testing positive for steroids. The suspension begins immediately. Steed cannot return to the Steelers’ lineup until the Nov. 26 game at Cleveland.

Under the NFL’s policy for first-time steroid violators, Steed must undergo a medical evaluation and cannot test positive again for steroids before he resumes playing.

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One day after losing to Jacksonville, the Cleveland Browns benched quarterback Vinny Testaverde in favor of rookie Eric Zeier.

“The bottom line is we’re not producing enough points offensively and I think we need to find a way to get a little more production,” Coach Bill Belichick said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s permanent. It’s going to just change the lineup and see if that will--along with some other things--improve our production on that side of the ball.”

Testaverde left training camp after getting the news without commenting.

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Drew Bledsoe completed a seven-year, $42-million contract with the New England Patriots. The deal, described by the team as the most lucrative in NFL history, was signed during the weekend and was to be submitted for league approval today.

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The New York Jets said Bubby Brister again will start at quarterback on Sunday, when they play at Indianapolis, because Boomer Esiason is not fully recovered from a concussion he suffered three weeks ago against Buffalo.

“Boomer’s situation is still extremely unsettled,” Jet Coach Rich Kotite said. “In these situations, you have to be extremely careful and thorough. He is feeling better, but has not had the opportunity to run or see how he is feeling after that. It was quite a serious injury.”