Plenty of RB Depth

Rashard Mendenhall could possibly sit this weekend when the Steelers (2-2) take on the Titans (3-1) in Pittsburgh. This doesn't faze me one bit because I don't even think that Mendy is the best running back on the Steelers roster; I believe that Isaac Redman is and that it will be proven to the world after the upcoming week 5 match-up.

The Steelers made a series of roster moves in anticipation of Mendy's injury; the Steelers moved rookie running back from Wisconsin John Clay from the practice squad to the active roster. The Steelers then added Tristan Davis, a third year pro from Auburn to the practice squad.

The Steelers will go into their week 5 game with Isaac Redman getting the bulk of the carries with rookie John Clay and second year pro Jonathan Dwyer acting as his supporting cast. The trio may not have a large amount of pro success but they have had success at the college level, with John Clay leading Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer by a slim margin.

John Clay * Wisconsin
619 carries 3,413 yards 5.5 average 41 touchdowns 72 long

Isaac Redman * Bowie State
613 carries 3,300 yards 5.4 average 35 touchdowns 99 long

Jonathan Dwyer * Georgia Tech
517 carries 3,226 yards 6.2 average 35 touchdowns 85 long

Of the three running backs only Dwyer and Redman have any pro experience, Redman with the most. Issac Redman has carried 74 times for 354 yards with a 4.8 yard average and a touchdown; while Jonathan Dwyer has carried the ball nine times for 28 yards with a 3.1 yard average and no touchdowns.

Dwyer and Clay received a bulk of playing time this preseason though; Dwyer had the majority of those carrying 37 times for 175 yards averaging 4.7 yards and a touchdown. Clay added 15 carries for 57 yards and a 3.8 yard average.

This game is a huge statement game for Redman, Dwyer and Clay as they could each solidify their futures with the Steelers. If the trio prove that they can handle the Steelers running game on their own then we may see a switch from the inconsistent Mendenhall.