Jonathan

Dwyer

The once-ballyhooed Georgia Tech alum got quality carries for the first time in his career. Dwyer exploded up the middle for a 76-yard run early in the second quarter, finally being horse-collared down by Cortland Finnegan to prevent a long touchdown. Though he saw six fewer touches than starter Isaac Redman, Dwyer produced 52 more total yards. Dwyer figures to return to the bench in Week 6 if Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring) is healthy.

Dwyer appeared in only seven games last season, racking up 16 carries. The former sixth-round pick mentioned that he’ll be spending July training in Orlando with Tom Shaw, which is a good sign considering his weight issues. With Rashard Mendenhall likely to miss, at least, the first half of the 2012 season, this will be Dwyer’s best shot at earning significant playing time in the NFL.

A sixth-round pick in 2010, Dwyer had been active for just seven games this season, carrying the ball 16 times for 123 yards. Blocked by Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman in Pittsburgh, Dwyer likely doesn’t have the talent to force his way up the depth chart in 2012, even if he’s healthy. He’s off the radar in dynasty leagues.

He’s up to ten carries for 83 yards in two preseason games. Dwyer displays little quickness and shake, but he has great long speed for a big back and is really difficult to tackle with a full head of steam. The Steelers have run blocked well against the Colts and Eagles so far. Although he won’t be a fantasy option, Dwyer could very well eat into Isaac Redman’s early-season workload.

This comes on the heels of coach Mike Tomlin’s surprising declaration that the Steelers are “leaving the door open” for Mendenhall to start the season opener, pending his knee’s response to this week’s practice workload. “He looked incredible,” said DE Brett Keisel. Added ILB Lawrence Timmons, “I thought he looked great. He was running well, finishing runs. I’m excited for him.” While it’s great news for Mendenhall’s progress, we’re highly skeptical that he will see significant action at Denver after missing the entire preseason. This does put a bit of a damper on Jonathan Dwyer’s sleeper outlook, however. Isaac Redman can be dropped in 12-team leagues.

“I don’t expect him to play,” said Bouchette. “Maybe (Tomlin) just wants to have the Broncos thinking a little bit. ... But maybe (Mendenhall) is coming along a little quicker than they thought.” Mendenhall just shed his red non-contact jersey in an impressive Monday practice. We suspect it will be at least another week or two before he’s ready for game action.

Redman did practice on Monday, but Tomlin lumped him in with players such as Rashard Mendenhall and James Harrison in seeing “where the week takes us.” Despite Tomlin’s newfound optimism on Mendenhall, it’s doubtful that he will play in the opener. The upshot is that Jonathan Dwyer could be in line for a major role this week.

“There’s a certain level of growth and maturity,” said Tomlin. "(And) he is in better physical condition than he has been in the past.” Dwyer has thoroughly outplayed presumed starter Isaac Redman, whose status is “uncertain” for Sunday night while recovering from an ankle injury. Dwyer should be owned in 10-and 12-team leagues as a potential Week 1 starter.

Dwyer actually sustained the injury during the first quarter and kept playing through the second quarter. He finished with two carries for 40 yards and one catch for negative-two yards. Dwyer, battling for backup reps behind Isaac Redman, may need a week off from practice.

It’s a routine injury as far as shoulders go, and Dwyer’s status is likely to be day to day. He saw some first-team action behind Isaac Redman against the Eagles. Dwyer’s early exit paved the way for rookie Chris Rainey to get more reps.