Isaac Redman to Start vs. Chiefs
By Matt Shetler
After his career-best 147 yard performance a week ago against the New York Giants, running back Isaac Redman will get the nod as the starter Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.
November 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman (33) runs during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE
Redman said on Saturday that he would be the starter, but I also expect to see Jonathan Dwyer heavily involved as well. In addition, rookie Chris Rainey will play after suffering cracked ribs Sunday against New York.
Redman will apparently get first crack at carries, but the Steelers’ coaches have said several times that they will ride the hot hand at running back going forward. With that being said, Dwyer, who missed last week’s game against the Giants with a quadriceps injury, should get his opportunities as well after posting back-to-back 100-yard games before sitting out last week.
Rashard Mendenhall is not expected to play after being listed as doubtful on the Steelers’ injury report with an Achilles injury.
Redman has had two badly sprained ankles over the past three months but has had 270 yards from scrimmage in the past two games he has played — including 147 rushing yards in a 24-20 win against the Giants on Sunday.
It’s a good problem for the Steelers to have as long as all of their healthy backs are producing.
If Redman gets off to a good start, he will likely see the amount of carries a feature back should. If he struggles though, all bets are off and Dwyer will likely get the bulk of the workload, especially in the second half.
No matter who gets the bulk of the carries, I would expect one or both of them to have success against the Chiefs, who rank 23rd in the NFL, allowing 126.0 yards per game on the ground.