Jaguars sign former Saint Louis standout

Associated Press

Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown for the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game against the Browns on Jan. 5, 2003. Advertiser library photo

The sixth-year back was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, after they failed to work out a trade for him. With a handful of other teams interested, the Jaguars signed Fuamatu-Ma'afala even though a hamstring injury might prevent him from playing in the opener against Carolina.

Coach Jack Del Rio said the 254-pound veteran will be a "hybrid" back for the Jaguars, able to play halfback and fullback.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala, a former standout at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, ran for 453 yards in 2001 and 115 last season in eight games. He was a backup for Jerome Bettis, but the emergence of Amos Zereoue and Pittsburgh's shift to a more pass-oriented offense made him expendable.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala also has a history of injuries, which have included a broken hand, a hurt rib cage and pectoral muscle and a number of hamstring pulls.

Del Rio said he's still happy to have him to complement Fred Taylor and rookies LaBrandon Toefield and Joe Smith.