The Steelers' backfield is a war zone right now. Le'Veon Bell is out with a foot sprain, Isaac Redman and LaRod Stephens-Howling missed the last game with various dings, and Baron Batch has also spent time on the sidelines since the showdown in DC last week. Jonathan Dwyer pretty much carried the load on Saturday, giving way to future-roster-cut Alvester Alexander late in the game.
With the myriad injuries suffered at the position thus far (and it's not a position known for durability, mind you), Kevin Colbert pulled the trigger on a deal that brings some reinforcements to the running game, acquiring Felix Jones from the Eagles for Adrian Robinson.
Adrian Robinson was listed as a linebacker but really only saw time on special teams last year as an undrafted rookie. With all due respect, losing Adrian Robinson isn't a loss for the Steelers. Whereas in Philadelphia, the stable of running backs was getting a little bit crowded and Felix Jones wasn't terribly likely to make the team.
Jones, as you might recall was once part of a promising tandem of backs in Dallas with his running mate, Marion Barber. Barber provided the inside power while Jones brought speed and receiving ability out of the backfield, some of the attributes the Steelers were looking for in Le'Veon Bell.
At only 26, it's not as though Jones is past his prime or unable to contribute in the NFL anymore. However, he isn't the same flashy player who looked so good with the Cowboys. There's a reason the cost to get him was only a special-teamer, and it's honestly entirely possible that Jones doesn't even make the team when the season starts.
Until then, however, the Steelers are in desperate need of someone to share the running duties with Jonathan Dwyer. The infamous "dress rehearsal," or Preseason game #3 in this Saturday against Kansas City and with starters going most of the way, the risk of injury to whichever backs can actually suit up and play increases. Felix Jones is a band-aid for that situation right now.
It's never a good thing when you're forced to trade for someone in camp. It means the plan has already gone awry. Running backs aren't terribly hard to find, but you still need a few of them to win a football game. Let's hope the Steelers don't need to go shopping agan.
