It is getting down to crunch time and the Steelers are quickly approaching cut down day on September 4th, when they have to get down to 53 players plus the suspended Ben Roethlisberger. At this point, I am finding it hard to believe that either Frank Summers or Jonathan Dwyer will survive the final cuts. Dwyer is a project and Summers is a project that should be over. If indeed neither stick, the Steelers head into the 2010 season with only Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman as running backs. Combined all three have 700 carries for 3157 yards in the NFL and of course Redman has no NFL carry stats as of yet. It would not be out of the question for the Steelers to sign a running back off of waivers as other teams make their roster cuts. Below are 9 running backs/fullbacks that could get walking papers on Saturday and be in a Steelers uniform for practice next Wednesday. Feel free to add your guesses in the comments below!
Marshawn Lynch – There is no real indication he will indeed be cut and he will never win the NFL Man of the Year award either, but Lynch is an inside power runner, but not likely to chip in on special teams. Price tag would have to be low.
Laurence Maroney – Pretty much the same situation as Lynch. The Patriots are could very well still let him be the opening day starter for all we know. A fresh start may do him good.
Samkon Gado – Journeyman that has bounced all around. Pretty good nose for the goal line and short yardage situations and also able to cover kicks as well.
Michael Bennett – Another special teamer that has tons of tags on his suitcase. I could think of worse than him if cut by the Raiders.
Willie Parker – Sure, several say no chance of it happening, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I would not be shocked either way. Too easy to add him here, but it is, what it is.
Garrett Wolfe – If we buy the smoke signals that the Steelers scouts have been all over the Bears preseason games, Wolfe is an easy speculation target Probably one of the best special teams players on this list as well.
John Kuhn – Doubtful, but you have to throw the name out there. It has been a reunion year after all.
Earnest Graham – Another guy who had brief success. I believe he was on the Bucs roster when Mike Tomlin coached at Tampa as well.
Jason Wright – Merely the best of the rest. I could see it happening though.
