Running back Isaac Redman and six other members of the Steelers practice squad have been added to the team’s offseason roster.
Also signed were tight end Eugene Bright, wide receiver Jason Chery, safety Tuff Harris, defensive tackle Steve McClendon, running back Justin Vincent and cornerback Trae Williams.
Second-year defensive tackle Scott Paxson and first-year kicker Piotr Czech also were added to the roster. Paxson, out of Penn State, spent time on the active roster and practice squad from 2006-08. Czech was cut by the Steelers last summer and by the Ravens during their 2008 training camp.
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DrGeorge
January 8, 2010 at 12:34 pm
My colleague, Mark, will be ecstatic to see Redman back on the roster. If my earlier comment holds water — that the firing of Zierlein signaled a shift by Tomlin toward a more balanced offense — Redman would be consistent with that view. Whether Redman is good enough to stick, no one knows, but he did look good in pre-season last year and is more powerful than Mendenhall in short yardage.
Paxson and Czech look like bargaining chips in the upcoming negotiations with Hampton and Reed. Paxon may also be insurance against the durability of Hampton and the aging Hoke.
The logic for the other signings eludes me, unless they are upgrades for special teams.
mark
January 8, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Hi DrGeorge, I actually am glad to see Redman back on the squad. I always thought that for all the hype Redman got,he never had the chance to show it during the regular season. I agree too that with a new O-line coach the chance for a philosophy change in regards to how they run the ball might give Redman an opportunity to show what he has. Even though Arians is still the coordinator, he might now have a shorter leash and must find ways to establish a better running game and more balanced production. I have said that the Steelers failed in “situational” running situations and the need to throw on 2 and 3rd and short yardage is what hurt the offense most. Tomlin firing coaches that under achieved sends a message to Arians that red zone productivity and balance is a must or he will also be on the outside looking in. I am o.k with the current coaching staff. I want to give Arians the benefit of a more stable O-line and hopefully the new coach will improve that. Who will this coach be is the question? As for Czech, no doubt it is a bargaining tool. I seriously do not think that Czech is a viable replacement for a great kicker like Reed so this might be an empty threat. Im sure Reed and his agent no this too. Hopefully Reed will be back.