With Rashard Mendenhall’s status up in the air for 2012 with a torn ACL, Isaac Redman, who used to be Mendenhall’s backup, says he’s “certain” he’ll carry the load for the Steelers this season. That would appear to be the case, at least early on. Mendenhall will likely start the year on the PUP and the Steelers don’t have another running back to challenge Redman. They drafted Chris Rainey in the 5^th round, but he’ll have more of a Dexter McCluster role than anything.

If Redman, who has a career 4.5 YPC, impresses, he could get at least an even split of the carries even if Mendenhall is healthy. He was already stealing a good chunk of Mendenhall’s carries last year even when Mendenhall was healthy and Redman was unproven. He got 110 carries to Mendenhall’s 228. All signs point towards Mendenhall having a breakout season in 2012. He’s a popular fantasy sleeper, but might still be underrated.

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