Jonathan Dwyer Must Make Most of Newest Chance

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

"That depends on his [Jonathan Dwyer’s] dependability, his ability to get up to speed with the game plan and things, … He’s been away from us for a couple weeks now.  Obviously, I don’t anticipate that being a major problem but we’ll play it by ear and see how he looks on the practice field and in the classroom.– Mike Tomlin on the recently re-signed Jonathan Dwyer (via Steelers.com)"

Jonathan Dwyer received a “mulligan” of sorts when he was re-signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week.

Pittsburgh needed some health and familiarity in their backfield after they put up only 32 rushing yards in their 2013 regular season debut, and the injuries and uncertainty at the position only made the need for someone like Dwyer that much more important.

With the running back position in such shambles, it now looks like the four-year veteran has a tremendous chance to handle a bulk of the “running game load” for the Steelers according to Tomlin’s recent comments.

I just hope that close to two weeks of being off of the roster did not cause Dwyer to gain any extra weight.  Dwyer had a workout with the Patriots last Friday, so there is a good chance that he was not parked on his couch eating bon-bons after the Steelers released him.

Nevertheless, weight and conditioning issues plagued the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket during his first three years in Pittsburgh.  So with those things in mind, I can totally understand Tomlin’s tenuous optimism despite the fact that the running back is familiar with the team’s offensive system.

If Dwyer can illustrate some ball-security and keep his weight at a manageable level though, then this could be a great signing for both Pittsburgh and their leading rusher from the 2012 regular season.  With almost zero competition around him at the moment, the starting job will be Dwyer’s to lose until Bell returns from his foot sprain.

It is not very often that N.F.L. players receive second-chances like the one Dwyer received earlier this week.  I just hope that the running back can take full advantage of what could be his final opportunity to shine in Pittsburgh.

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

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