ESPN's James Walker calls backup RB Isaac Redman "one of the best players" he saw at Steelers camp. Redman has taken some major steps forward by all accounts. And considering Rashard Mendenhall is coming off a career-high 324 carries, it would make sense to sprinkle Redman in some. But the Steelers' philosophy has been to feature one back almost exclusively, so Redman remains a simple weak handcuff.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette believes the Steelers will "not hesitate to use" backup RB Isaac Redman this season. Redman was a bright spot in the Steelers' sloppy preseason opener on Friday, rushing five times for 42 yards and a score. Bouchette says he's "won over all his coaches' confidences the past two seasons." That may be, but he still notched just 61 touches in 2010. He's unlikely to carve into Rashard Mendenhall's touches in any meaningful way.

Isaac Redman remains the primary backup to Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers are one of the few teams that believe in running their main back until the wheels fall off, so Redman won't have a real role outside of some short-yardage situations. Mendenhall hasn't missed a game since 2008 and figures to at least match the 347 touches he recorded last season. Redman is a low-end handcuff.