Steelers’ Isaac Redman reportedly named starting RB
By Matt Shetler
With prized rookie Le’Veon Bell out of the lineup for the next six to eight weeks, many have wondered who Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin would turn to when the Steelers open up the 2013 season September 8 at Heinz Field against the Tennessee Titans.
Apparently we have an answer.
Despite only carrying the ball twice during the preseason so far, it looks like Tomlin is leaning to fourth-year pro Isaac Redman as the starter with Bell out action, according to The Observer Reporter’s Dale Lolley.
As expected Redman, not Dwyer, will be starting rb for #steelers if Bell doesn't play
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 27, 2013
Aug 12, 2013; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman (33) participates during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The move for Redman over Jonathan Dwyer was something to be expected, but not it looks as if Tomlin has confirmed it.
That also means that we won’t likely see Redman in action when the Steelers conclude the preseason Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
Redman has been out of action since the Steelers’ first preseason game with a stinger that continues to bother him. But he seems to be progressing as he has been itching to get back on the field.
The Bowie State product may be rusty when the season begins; gaining only seven yards on two carries this preseason. He’s also coming off a very bad season in which he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry in 14 regular season games.
But with Bell out of action, someone has to get the bulk of the carries and considering what the Steelers currently have at the running back position; Redman may be the best option.
However while it looks like Redman is going to be the starter for the regular season opener, I would expect to see plenty of Dwyer as well, along with newly acquired Felix Jones mixed in at times.
In addition to Bell being out of action, it looks as if LaRod Stephens-Howling won’t be ready for opening day either. The rookie hasn’t been officially ruled out for the Titans game, and he is walking around without discomfort, but all signs point to Redman getting the nod.