mesaSteeler
08-29-2009, 09:25 AM
Steelers: Logan is wild card in roster battle
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/08-29-Steelers-column
By the time the third preseason game rolls around for most NFL teams, many of the major personnel decisions have already been made.
Barring injuries, the jockeying that is going on at this point is for those final four or five roster spots.
But much of who fills those spots for the Steelers will depend on a player who is easily the smallest guy on the team.
Kick returner Stefan Logan, all 5-7, 185 pounds of him, burst onto the radar as a possibility to make the Steelers' roster by averaging 12 yards on four punt returns and nearly 40 yards on four kickoff returns last week against the Washington Redskins.
"I think Stefan has gotten our attention. He deserves an opportunity to be seen again," said head coach Mike Tomlin.
The problem - albeit a good one - for the Steelers will arise if Logan again impresses tonight against the Buffalo Bills.
Logan is listed as a running back, but has worked little with the players at that position since mini-camp, when he began playing wide receiver. As a wideout, even Logan admits he's very raw.
The former Canadian Football League standout also is 28 years old.
Because of his lack of a true position, for Logan to make this team it must be strictly as a return man.
The trouble is, the Steelers' 2009 draft and rookie free-agent classes have been impressive enough that the team is considering keeping as many as eight or nine on the final roster rather than try to sneak a few onto the practice squad.
To be placed onto the practice squad, a player must first clear waivers. Then, even after he's been added to the practice squad, he can be signed by another team at any time.
That has happened to the Steelers several times, most notably with center Hank Fraley. Before the Steelers could add him to their practice squad, Fraley was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles and has been a solid starter for nearly a decade.
On a veteran team coming off two Super Bowl victories in four seasons, finding eight or nine spots for rookies was going to be difficult enough. Finding a spot for a 28-year-old who might only have one or two good seasons in him is an added headache.
But with a number of starters and key backups set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, the Steelers have to keep an eye on the future. That's why they're considering keeping so many rookies.
However, this is a team built to win this season. And if Logan can help them do that by being the kick returner the Steelers have been missing since Antwaan Randle El left following the 2005 season, then they have to find a spot for him.
If that means releasing a veteran such as defensive end Travis Kirschke or keeping one less offensive lineman, then so be it.
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/08-29-Steelers-column
By the time the third preseason game rolls around for most NFL teams, many of the major personnel decisions have already been made.
Barring injuries, the jockeying that is going on at this point is for those final four or five roster spots.
But much of who fills those spots for the Steelers will depend on a player who is easily the smallest guy on the team.
Kick returner Stefan Logan, all 5-7, 185 pounds of him, burst onto the radar as a possibility to make the Steelers' roster by averaging 12 yards on four punt returns and nearly 40 yards on four kickoff returns last week against the Washington Redskins.
"I think Stefan has gotten our attention. He deserves an opportunity to be seen again," said head coach Mike Tomlin.
The problem - albeit a good one - for the Steelers will arise if Logan again impresses tonight against the Buffalo Bills.
Logan is listed as a running back, but has worked little with the players at that position since mini-camp, when he began playing wide receiver. As a wideout, even Logan admits he's very raw.
The former Canadian Football League standout also is 28 years old.
Because of his lack of a true position, for Logan to make this team it must be strictly as a return man.
The trouble is, the Steelers' 2009 draft and rookie free-agent classes have been impressive enough that the team is considering keeping as many as eight or nine on the final roster rather than try to sneak a few onto the practice squad.
To be placed onto the practice squad, a player must first clear waivers. Then, even after he's been added to the practice squad, he can be signed by another team at any time.
That has happened to the Steelers several times, most notably with center Hank Fraley. Before the Steelers could add him to their practice squad, Fraley was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles and has been a solid starter for nearly a decade.
On a veteran team coming off two Super Bowl victories in four seasons, finding eight or nine spots for rookies was going to be difficult enough. Finding a spot for a 28-year-old who might only have one or two good seasons in him is an added headache.
But with a number of starters and key backups set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, the Steelers have to keep an eye on the future. That's why they're considering keeping so many rookies.
However, this is a team built to win this season. And if Logan can help them do that by being the kick returner the Steelers have been missing since Antwaan Randle El left following the 2005 season, then they have to find a spot for him.
If that means releasing a veteran such as defensive end Travis Kirschke or keeping one less offensive lineman, then so be it.
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com