Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch has his fractured collarbone examined during an August 2008 preseason game. Batch signed a one-year deal to retain his position Thursday.

PITTSBURGH - Backup quarterback Charlie Batch returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers by signing an $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.

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.

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. Former All-Star pitcher Mark Fidrych suffocated after his clothes became entangled with a spinning part on the truck he was working on, Massachusetts authorities said Thursday.The state medical examiner's office ruled the death an accident, according to a release from the Worcester District Attorney's office. The investigation is now closed, a spokesman for the DA said.