Isaac Redman to Start on Monday, Does He Deserve Another Chance?

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown (55) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman (33) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Titans won the game, 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

I will admit that I was taken aback when Scott Brown of ESPN.com reported that the Steelers were going to give Isaac Redman the starting nod at running back in Monday night’s game versus Cincinnati.

Then when I remembered what a complete and total “dumpster fire” the Steelers’ depth chart at running back looks like, I came to my senses and figured they had not much of a choice.  Of course, most teams would probably bench or even release Redman after the way he played last Sunday.

The bruising running back could not push the pile, was unable to gain traction, and coughed up the football during Pittsburgh’s opening day loss to Tennessee.  Overall, Redman gained only nine yards on eight carries and posted a higher number of fumbles (two) than yards per carry (1.1) on the day.

Although Redman is set to start, that does not necessarily mean that Pittsburgh’s coaching staff have a high level of confidence in the fifth-year running back.

The team brought back their 2012 leading rusher yesterday in the form of Jonathan Dwyer, and one would think that Mike Tomlin and Todd Haley would be inclined to use Dwyer and Felix Jones if Redman’s struggles continue against the Bengals’ stout defense

Monday night could be Redman’s last audition to impress the coaching staff and front office that he is worth a new contract after this regular season.  Thus, if he cannot take advantage of this current opportunity, he will lose carries and could even be deemed expendable when Le’Veon Bell returns from his foot injury.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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