Willie

Reid

Reid, a speedster who’s barely been used under new coach Mike Tomlin, is uncertain to play in Week 17. The Steelers will need all the healthy pass catchers they can muster following Willie Parker’s season-ending loss.

Reid has really come on as a receiver since his junior year at Florida State. The rookie is posing a better challenge to Nate Washington for the third WR role than Santonio Holmes at this point. Reid will be the Steelers’ punt returner in 2006 as well.

Ricardo Colclough and Santonio Holmes returned punts in his stead. As expected, Ben Roethlisberger (appendectomy), RB Patrick Cobbs, LB Rian Wallace, C Marvin Philip, and OL Chris Kemoeatu did not play.

Reid says he just needs to rest the foot, but dealt with the same injury for much of 2006 before going on I.R. Ricardo Colclough is again fielding punts.

Rossum will be replaced by receiver Adam Jennings on kick returns. He could take punt returning duties from Willie Reid in Pittsburgh.

The 2006 third-round pick will return to practice at the start of training camp after missing spring work. Reid shouldn’t face competition for his job.

Newly acquired speedster Allen Rossum is Pittsburgh’s new return ace.

Rossum would’ve only cost the Steelers $770,000 in 2008, but they have Willie Reid ready to handle punts, if he can stay healthy. It’s safe to that say Rossum is no longer the fastest man in the NFL.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Rossum would try to practice today, but he’s running out of time and may be limited to light running. Willie Reid was scheduled to be Rossum’s replacement, but fumbled two of his first three returns, leaving open the possibility of Najeh Davenport pulling double duty against the Jags.