Bengals pick up former Steelers running back off waivers

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 17, 2009 5:39 PM EDT in Contracts

Against the Bengals in 2008, Steelers running back Gary Russell gained five yards rushing on seven attempts -- including a touchdown in the Steelers 27-10 win on November 20. On Friday, the 200-plus pound running back, born in Columbus, was picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals off waivers, writes Bengals.com. But returning kicks might be his forte in Cincinnati.

Russell averaged 22.3 yards as Pittsburgh's kick returner, a spot the Bengals are seeking to fill with wide receiver Glenn Holt's departure in free agency.

Russell was thought to be emerging into a productive big back heading into his third season in Pittsburgh. If the Bengals had been seeking Cedric Benson's backup in the draft, they may now feel they don’t have to expend a pick there with Russell in the fold. At least maybe not a high one since his strength is viewed as a zone runner that would fit into some of what the Bengals do.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

This guy any good?

by BamaBengal on Apr 17, 2009 7:25 PM EDT reply actions

decent short-yardage RB, seemed to have a nose for the endzone and got those 1st downs when no other Steeler RB could. That said, he doesn’t look to be much more than that. Decent guy to pick up and look at, and at the very least throws a smoke screen in front of teams believing that they know when the Bengals pick up a RB in the draft.

by Sheffieldbengal on Apr 17, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

RE:

I’m not sure Russell is that good to make other teams believe that. I am curious though in the thinking by the Bengals on how much they reduce the need to acquire a back in the draft. Will they go in the third round, which we believed waking up Friday morning? Or will they now look later, like the fifth round and later.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 17, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Great post Kirkendall.

Does this mean Ian Johnson… or Gartrell Johnson.. I think so.

by "Mr. NC-17" on Apr 17, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

i hope not

plus they Really Really like knowshon Moreno, todays sports center was a draft special

by Joe Goodberry on Apr 18, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions

sophmore year/mendenhall

he ran for over 1100 yards and had 18 touchdowns his sophmore season at minnesota. he flunked out from there and then the steelers picked him up as a free agent.

remember the steelers used their first round pick last year for a rashard mendenhall. they paid him, not russell, so they had to keep him. Being said, I think this means that the steelers didn’t release him based off of talent, but investments

by nadfflictar on Apr 18, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

perhaps

they see him as a fullback? Just spitballin’.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 17, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

I say this

Benson:1st string Russel:2nd string Watson:3rd string Johnson:Practice Squad Perry:Cut

by cincyboy on Apr 17, 2009 9:54 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully Russell will pull a Willie Anderson and...

reveal all of the Steelers blocking schemes and gameplans for the Bengals.

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Apr 17, 2009 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, that was a slap in the face by Anderson

If you look at it they were in our backfield a little too fast. If you know what I mean.

by cincyboy on Apr 17, 2009 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

Russell

22 years old and is “Healthy” (Jim Anderson won’t know how to act!!)
Two years experience in the NFL camp of the Super Bowl Champs.
Has tested playoff game experience
Scored in a Super Bowl.
His gut will be burning to show well in conference and against the Steelers.
Complements Bensons style of running.
Can catch passes and run backs in the kicking game.
Plays on special teams.
He is not affraid to stick his nose in it to get results.
Steelers camp thought he was the second coming, The Coach didn’t.
What is not to like. Let’s see what we have with a little age and experience.

by Butler Bengal on Apr 18, 2009 9:45 AM EDT reply actions