Steelers Running Back Problems?

Is Isaac Redman Going to be the Odd Man Out
When All RBs are Healthy?

Don't let the title of this post fool you.  The Steelers DO have a running back problem, but it isn't a negative problem.  Instead, its one of those problems that is good to have.  The Steelers RB situation heading into the season was bleak at best, but NO ONE saw this coming.  What is "this" that came unannounced?  I am talking about the new found surplus that the Steelers have at the position.  The question / problem arises when all of their available RBs get healthy.  Lets take a look at some of the options the Steelers have in regards to handling this situation.

I think that everyone would agree that the Steelers have their starting RB right now.  That would be Jonathan Dwyer.  He has back to back 100+yd games and shows the burst, elusiveness, and tenacity to get the job done.  I'm not going to say that Dwyer is now the full time starter until Mendenhall returns.  That brings us to the first issue.  When Rashard Mendenhall returns from his achilles "soreness" who will get the brunt of the carries?  Jonathan Dwyer seems like a runner that the more he gets the ball the more likely he is to get into a rhythm with the offense...making him more effective.  Would I start Dwyer over Mendenhall?  If both were healthy this week vs the Giants I wouldn't even hesitate.  Mendenhall needs to prove he is the feature back until he gets the start again. 

Now what about Isaac Redman.  The guy that everyone said could take the reigns of the running game and carry the load until Mendenhall returned from injury.  Things didn't really pan out for #33 (and I'm NOT talking about Bam Morris).  Isaac Redman is nursing an injury to an ankle (now both of his ankles are injured) that he suffered in the Tennessee loss.  It just happens that in the loss he had 105yds receiving...not to bad for a short yardage RB.  I feel that Redman has his place in the offense, but it isn't as a feature back.  To me, it comes down to Dwyer and Mendenhall for the bulk of the carries.  Redman is great at short yardage, 3rd downs, and catching the ball out of the backfield.  However, limiting him to that role would severely limit his role on the team and his playing time.

The last problem the Steelers would face is if/when ALL of the RBs are healthy.  There is no way the Steelers are going to dress: Dwyer, Mendenhall, Redman, Batch, and Rainey.  There is no need for 5 RBs amongst the active players on any given game day.  Batch and Rainey are great special teams players, and Baron Batch was actually a Speical Teams captain for a game this year.  I feel those two players are going to be suited up on Sundays due to their versatility.  Now you have Dwyer, Mendenhall, and Redman.  Unfortunately, one of these 3 needs to sit out if all are healthy.  I would have to sit Redman if Dwyer continues to produce and Mendenhall shows that explosiveness that made him a #1 draft pick.  Redman shows flashes of greatness, but someone has to sit.  This is a problem that alot of teams would love to have, but the Steelers don't have to worry about it just yet because of injuries. 

My question for you, SteelerNation, is who would you sit if all of the RBs are healthy??  Leave a comment below with your input!