Isaac Redman is set for an MRI on his injured groin. Redman hasn't been able to practice since rushing five times for 14 yards in the preseason opener last Thursday. The additional testing will determine the grade of his muscle strain. Already lacking burst, Redman can't afford to be playing at anything less than 100 percent. Fellow plodders Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch are next up on the depth chart as the Steelers' run game continues to trend downward.

Isaac Redman rushed five times for 14 yards and added two catches for four yards in Thursday's preseason opener. The first play of the game was a delayed screen from Ben Roethlisberger to Redman. He stayed on the field for a couple more series, but proceeded to lose some passing-down reps to camp standout Chris Rainey. The performance did nothing to allay fears that Redman is a replacement-level talent.

Steelers RBs coach Kirby Wilson indicated that Isaac Redman is "absolutely" slated to be the top third-down back this season. Although Redman doubled the third-down snaps of Mewelde Moore last season, it was news to him that he's keeping the role while also taking over as the primary early-down back. Redman is in line for a heavy workload through October. The question is whether fantasy owners can count on him as a viable starter once Rashard Mendenhall is back to full health.

Steelers RB Isaac Redman is "certain" he'll carry the load while Rashard Mendenhall recovers from a torn ACL. Mendenhall is a candidate for the PUP list and could be out even longer. Redman has been the favorite to fill in for him since day one, but a lack of an impact signing or rookie selection confirms it. Redman feels he's picking up OC Todd Haley's drastically different playbook quicker than the rookies, which gives him a leg up. A candidate for 15-plus touches-per-game early on, Redman is a solid late-round fantasy pick.

Steelers re-signed exclusive rights free agents RB Isaac Redman, P Jeremy Kapinos, and NT Steve McLendon. With Rashard Mendenhall's 2012 season in doubt, Redman currently sits atop the depth chart at tailback and could be in line for a heavy workload. Kapinos returns as the team's punter. McLendon will play second-fiddle to Casey Hampton.

Coach Mike Tomlin indicated the Steelers will add a running back via free agency or the draft this offseason. Isaac Redman is still the heavy favorite to open the season as the feature back, as the free agent market is now paper-thin and the Steelers won't add a runner early in the draft. One possibility is adding a third-down back in case Mewelde Moore isn't re-signed and Baron Batch isn't ready for the role.

At his Monday press conference, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert talked up Isaac Redman as a potential answer in the backfield should Rashard Mendenhall (ACL surgery) miss a large chunk of the 2012 season. "Our young backup contributors did a nice job (in 2011)," said Colbert, adding that Redman "established himself as an NFL running back." Colbert said tailback is not necessarily a need area for Pittsburgh, despite Mendenhall's knee surgery. Redman, who averaged a respectable 4.35 yards per carry in the regular season, racked up 121 yards on 17 rushes in the Steelers' playoff loss.

Isaac Redman rushed 17 times for 121 yards and caught two passes for 21 yards in the Steelers' Wild Card round loss to Denver. Redman's 32-yard run in the third quarter was ruled a touchdown on the field, but overturned once replay showed his knee was down a yard shy of the end zone. Mike Wallace punched it in on an end-around one play later. The Steelers lose nothing with Redman playing in place of Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall tore his ACL in Week 17, so he may be headed for the PUP list. Redman will offer some intriguing early-season potential in 2012 fantasy drafts.

Isaac Redman confirmed that he will maintain third-down duties in addition to adding a feature back role for the Steelers during the playoffs. Redman is replacing Rashard Mendenhall (torn ACL) and could add a James Starks-ish element to Pittsburgh's offense. While the Steelers are an inherently pass-happy team, Redman suits that philosophy as a superior pass blocker and receiver to Mendenhall. In Week 18, he'll have a favorable matchup against a Broncos defense that finished the regular season 22nd versus the run.

Isaac Redman will be the Steelers' starting running back in the playoffs. With Rashard Mendenhall (knee) out, Redman and rookie John Clay are the only healthy backs in Pittsburgh. Mewelde Moore's (knee) status is unknown. Redman, an annual camp darling that earned the nickname "Red Zone" for his goal-line prowess, has also made major strides in the passing game. Additionally, he's averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 162 career totes. The drop-off between Redman and Mendenhall won't be severe.