Do we keep 4 running backs?

[LayinWoodley56]

I read another little article today in my fanball fantasy league news tracker about how much the Steelers were praising Gary Russell. Is there any chance we keep 4 RB's AND and FB this season?

It's tough, because I don't think Russell clears waivers to make it to the PS. I think he has a higher ceiling than Mewelde Moore, however barring injury, Moore will at least contribute if he's on the team on special teams and 3rd downs. If it were Russell instead of Moore I don't think he'd ever see the field...

What do you guys think?

[Lord Stiller]

I won't lose sleep if we cut Gary Russell

[Counselor]

Originally Posted by LayinWoodley56

I read another little article today in my fanball fantasy league news tracker about how much the Steelers were praising Gary Russell. Is there any chance we keep 4 RB's AND and FB this season?

It's tough, because I don't think Russell clears waivers to make it to the PS. I think he has a higher ceiling than Mewelde Moore, however barring injury, Moore will at least contribute if he's on the team on special teams and 3rd downs. If it were Russell instead of Moore I don't think he'd ever see the field...

What do you guys think?

Last Year we kept: Parker, Davenport, Russell, Davis & Kreider

This Year we'll keep: Parker, Mendenhall, Moore, Russell and Davis.

We're moving away from the pure FB it seems---so I suspect we will keep Russell. No worries.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by Counselor

Last Year we kept: Parker, Davenport, Russell, Davis & Kreider

This Year we'll keep: Parker, Mendenhall, Moore, Russell and Davis.

We're moving away from the pure FB it seems---so I suspect we will keep Russell. No worries.

Yeppers. Couldn't have said it better.

[DACEB]

Originally Posted by Lord Stiller

I won't lose sleep if we cut Gary Russell

That's right, get rid of the promising tailback that while in college was on par with Maroney and Barber. The same guy that has only improved since he's been on the team. The same guy that we pay almost nothing to keep on the team, and who's value will skyrocket once he actually hits the field.

This kid reportedly came into OTAs in great shape, 10lbs of added muscle, and the coaches have been praising his progress. To me that proves he is doing everything necessary to dispel the reputation he had after leaving college, and show he is ready to be a proffesional.

Two years from now we could be looking at the RB tandem of Mendenhall and Russell, while banking some draft picks in the process.

[BlastFurnace]

Russell isn't going anywhere. Dale Lolley, a Steelers Insider, has said in his blog how much the Steelers like this guy and believe he can be a top notch RB in the future. That's part of the reason that Davenport was cut.

Personally, I would not like it at all if we cut Russell. The kid has talent and has shown to be a decent special teams player. Why get rid of him?

Regardless of how much I like Willie Parker, to think a guy of his build...and his wear and tear already...is going to have a long career is wishful thinking. If we have a young RB that can team with Mendenhall in the future, we need to keep him.

[HughC]

When you get down to those last roster spots it should be determined by how you perform on special teams. That is where a player will have impact, since he'll rarely see playing time at his regular position. As Blast Furnace pointed out, Russell is a decent special teams player, so I would be surprised if he is cut. When you are last on the depth chart at RB, LB, WR, etc., how you perform on special teams will determine whether or not you make the roster.

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by DACEB

That's right, get rid of the promising tailback that while in college was on par with Maroney and Barber. The same guy that has only improved since he's been on the team. The same guy that we pay almost nothing to keep on the team, and who's value will skyrocket once he actually hits the field....Two years from now we could be looking at the RB tandem of Mendenhall and Russell, while banking some draft picks in the process.

I don't understand what the big deal is about Russell when he has done nothing to this point to warrant it (sorry, I don't care how good he was in college). I also don't understand why people are so quick to show Willie the door, especially when Willie has actually done something at the NFL level.

[KeiselPower99]

When does Parkers contract run out??

[Counselor]

Originally Posted by fansince'76

I don't understand what the big deal is about Russell when he has done nothing to this point to warrant it (sorry, I don't care how good he was in college). I also don't understand why people are so quick to show Willie the door, especially when Willie has actually done something at the NFL level.

He was only a rookie last year--- so I think everyone wants to give him a little more time. If we have space for him---and we do, we should keep a young prospect over someone like Davenport.

As for Willie Parker---I don't think anyone wants to show him the door---but its a fact that running back careers are shorter than other players. He's in his prime now at 27, but a smart team thinks about the future. Look at Shaun Alexander, he went from MVP to released pretty quickly.