Kreider’s Roster Spot Far From a Sure Thing

While Dan Kreider is a player that seems to be what Pittsburgh is all about, there seems to be enough momentum right now pointing to the fact that Kreider’s Steeler career might be coming to an end.  With a new look offense, Kreider’s role as the teams top fullback might not be all that needed, and the whispers appear to be getting louder that Dan might not crack the 53-man roster.  It would be awfully tough to see Kreider go, as he has been nothing short of excellent opening holes the past few years for the Steelers, and last year was a big part at fullback why Willie Parker was a Pro Bowl back and ran for 1,494 yards.

It is by all means possible that the 8-year pro might get caught up in the numbers game of the Steelers roster.  With only two backs basically assured spots at RB (Parker and Najeh Davenport), that leaves the team with likely three spots left.  With that, you have the following backs battling it out for the last three spots – Verron Haynes, Gary Russell, Carey Davis, John Kuhn, Kevan Barlow, Larry Croom and Kreider.  Out of those three, right now you’d have to think that Haynes, Russell and one other will make the team.

Carey Davis is a shot to make it as a true fullback, or they could use Heath Miller and shift him in the backfield for plays in which they need to go big.  The big difference with the 2007 Steelers is the fullback is by no means needed to run Bruce Arians’ offense on most occasions.  That is where the issue lies with Kreider.  Now the question is – do the Steelers need him enough to use a roster spot on him?  Or can they simply do without, and go with one of the younger players?  Either way it’s a tough call, and one that might be the toughest of the early coaching tenure of Mike Tomlin.