James Harrison’slong tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over.

The AFC North champions released the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2008 NFL defensive player of the year on Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert is returning from a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

The 39-year-old Harrison is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, piling up 80.5 during his 14 seasons with the Steelers and 82.5 during his career. Harrison briefly retired in September 2014 following a forgettable 2013 season in Cincinnati but returned when the Steelers ran into injury trouble.

He collected at least five sacks every season between 2014 and 2016 and signed a two-year deal last spring that would have kept him in Pittsburgh through his 40th birthday. Harrison’s playing time dipped significantly this season. He has been active in just five of Pittsburgh’s 14 games.

Vikings shut out Packers: The Minnesota Vikings shut out an opponent for the first time in nearly a quarter-century, beating the injury-depleted Green Bay Packers 16-0 on Saturday night to stay in the hunt for a first-round playoff bye.

Stefon Diggs (Maryland) caught a 4-yard pass from Case Keenum just inside the back line of the end zone in the first quarter for the only touchdown. The Vikings (12-3) have already clinched the NFC North and can secure a bye if Carolina loses or ties on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Haden returns for Steelers: Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden isn’t taking anything for granted.

The eight-year veteran, who has never played in the playoffs, experienced a scare when he broke his leg a month ago against Indianapolis. Five weeks later, Haden has recovered to the point where he’s on track to play Monday when the AFC North champion Steelers (11-3) visit the Houston Texans (4-10).

“Once I found out that I didn’t need surgery, and it was going to be four to six weeks, my whole goal was to make sure I could get back within the regular season, so when I come into the playoffs, there’s no question, I’m ready to go,” Haden said.

Haden spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. Pittsburgh signed the two-time Pro Bowler on the eve of the regular season after he was released by the Browns.

Haden is excited to have an opportunity to see the playoffs this season.

Saints add to injury list: The New Orleans Saints have added leading receiver Michael Thomas to their injury report in advance of today’s game against Atlanta.

The club says Thomas, whose status was updated Saturday, has a hamstring injury. He is questionable for the matchup against the Falcons, who can move ahead of the Saints in the NFC South standings by winning the Christmas Eve clash.

Thomas has 94 catches for 1,085 yards and five touchdowns. He is just the second player, along with the New York Giants’ Odell Beckham, to catch at least 90 passes in his first two NFL seasons.

New Orleans is on top of the NFC South, but is just one game ahead of the Falcons, who have a chance to sweep the season series after winning the first meeting on Dec. 7.

New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina are all within a game of one another in their race for the division title.

Jaguars promote Strong: The Jacksonville Jaguars have promoted receiver Jaelen Strong to the active roster, an indication Allen Hurns will miss his sixth consecutive game.

To make room on the roster Saturday, the Jaguars (10-4) waived/injured first-year receiver Larry Pinkard (concussion).

Hurns (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity all week and was listed as questionable for today’s game at San Francisco (4-10). Fellow receiver Marqise Lee (ankle) already has been ruled out.