Isaac Redman Injury: Why Fantasy Owners Need to Add Jonathan Dwyer

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman is questionable to return, with cramps sidelining the starter in the fourth quarter.

But as long as the injury is just cramping, he shouldn't miss any time. But that's not the reason why his fantasy owners should replace him with Jonathan Dwyer.

Redman, who is filling in at the starting position while Rashard Mendenhall heals from a hamstring injury, had just 49 yards on 15 carries behind an improved-looking Pittsburgh offensive line. In contrast, the backup Dwyer (himself filling in for Mewelde Moore) has nine carries for 103 yards as of 6:30 left in the game.

While it is hard to tell what the Steelers' running game will look like with Mendenhall and Moore healthy, it is safe to assume that the team will go with what works best despite who began the year with the starting designation.

If fantasy owners are desperate for a reliable handcuff to Mendenhall or just for a worthwhile waiver wire running back addition, Dwyer has apparently eclipsed Redman based on this week's performance and, at least at the moment, becomes the smarter grab.

It's a risky move, however. Until the Steelers' running back situation is stabilized (which it should be, to an extent, later this week), it's not entirely clear if adding Dwyer is useful, even if keeping Redman also is not. For now, keep a watchful eye on him. Obviously, someone in your fantasy league is going to see Dwyer's stat line from this week and put a waiver claim on him, but don't panic and try to jump first.

I could see the Steelers easily moving to a committee of backs while they continue to work out their run game. If that's the case, then neither Dwyer nor Redman will have an incredible amount of fantasy value. Proceed with caution before jumping on the Dwyer bandwagon.