Steelers Rashard Mendenhall and Casey Hampton tore their ACLs in January and, while both have said they will be back for week 1, a more realistic source, GM Kevin Colbert, expects both to start the season on the PUP, shutting them each down for the first 6 games of the season. This makes a lot more sense because it would take a mere 8 month recovery from an injury that normally takes 10-12 months for either to be out there week 1.

The Steelers have talked up career backup Steve McClendon as Hampton’s replacement and they also used a 4^th round pick on Alameda Ta’amu. He’ll likely see some early action. Meanwhile, the Steelers have been talking up Isaac Redman as a feature back in Mendenhall’s absence. They’ve shown confidence in him, not using a draft pick on a real running back, only using a 5^th round pick on a Dexter McCluster hybrid type in Chris Rainey. If he plays well early in the season, he could still see at least a 50/50 split in carries even when Mendenhall returns. Mendenhall is a free agent after the season and the Steelers would love Redman to step up as a feature back in his absence. He’s got strong fantasy value and upside.

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