Like many of you, I am still trying to wrap my head around the Pittsburgh Steelers decision Friday to trade for running back Felix Jones. So here are a few theories as to why they decided to.
We already know that rookie running back Le\’Veon Bell will be down several weeks with his foot injury, but that it will not require surgery. Perhaps they intend on placing him on injured reserve with the designated to return tag. This really seems unlikely, but I don\’t think it can be ruled out. Of course Tomlin could have been blowing smoke on Thursday.
Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling missed the last preseason game against the Washington Redskins with an MCL sprain, but according to Tomlin, he practiced on Thursday, although he didn\’t finish. Maybe he is worse off than expected.
The only other thing I can think is that they really don\’t want to carry both Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer. Both are scheduled to earn $1.323 million in 2013 and that is a lot to pay two backup running backs.
You would have to think Jones is a lock for the roster assuming he passes his physical. After all, why would you trade for a player just to release him in a few more weeks.
As for trading linebacker Adrian Robinson, I don\’t have a problem with that, because it is obvious he wasn\’t going to make the roster.
It\’s your turn to chime in.
