Running Back Competition

There are a few questions here. Who will be the third-down back? Who will be the goal line back? What happens to Dan Kreider after this year and is there another capable FB on the roster?

I’m thinking the Steelers keep five or six RBs. The top four are Willie Parker, Najeh Davenport, Kevan Barlow, and Dan Kreider. Who stays after these guys depends upon the health of Verron Haynes. The news on Haynes sounds like his knee is still a problem. If he’s healthy, he makes the team. My guess is that he’ll go on IR. My dark horse of this group is Gary Russell. Although he flunked out of school and didn’t play last year, he put up some great numbers in his junior year despite not starting. He has size and speed – could be a Willie Parker type steal. He at least makes the practice squad.

That leaves a battle between Larry Croom, Carey Davis, and John Kuhn. One of these guys probably becomes the backup FB. Although, there could still be a free agent signing as other teams adjust rosters here.

The RBs that make it past the first cut:
Barlow
Davenport
Haynes (possible IR)
Kreider
Kuhn
Parker
Russell (possible practice squad)

Next up, I’m breaking down the WRs and TEs.