No touches versus Cleveland

Ridley played just four snaps, all on special teams, in Sunday's 21-21 tie against the Browns.

Analysis: There was some question as to who the primary backup to James Conner would be between Jaylen Samuels and Ridley with Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) still holding out. It turned out to be no one, as Conner was the only running back to carry the ball all game, and he did an outstanding job, despite a costly late fumble. Pittsburgh tends to lean heavily on their primary runner, so Ridley's role seems limited for the time being.

Could have role in Bell's absence

Ridley may be utilized while Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) remains away from the team, Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: Ridley has a few things going for him. First, he recorded 1,263 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns as a bell cow with the Patriots in 2012. Additionally, he has experience in the Steelers' system, running 26 times for 108 yards the final two games of last season. Unless Bell reports before Sunday's contest in Cleveland, coach Mike Tomlin is expected to rely on second-year pro James Conner and pass-catching rookie Jaylen Samuels out of the backfield. No matter, Ridley's veteran savvy could yield…read more

Gets spot on initial roster

Ridley earned a spot on Pittsburgh's initial 53-man roster, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers also kept James Conner and Jaylen Samuels, which means Ridley could still be released if Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) rejoins the team in the coming days, as expected. Ridley is five years removed from his last productive NFL campaign, and he averaged just 2.9 yards on 18 carries during the preseason.

Ridley re-signed to a one-year deal with the Steelers on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The veteran back joined the Steelers for the final two games of the season last year, rushing for 108 yards and one score on 26 carries -- he did not see any action during the postseason. He'll now have an opportunity to compete for a backup role behind Le'Veon Bell this offseason, competing with James Conner and Fitzgerald Toussaint for depth chart position.

Scores first touchdown since 2014 season

Ridley, ran for 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Browns, finishes up the 2017 season with 108 yards on 26 carries and the one touchdown in two games.

Analysis: Ridley got the start in place of Le'Veon Bell (inactive, coach's decision), and looked like the stud running back that began his career in New England, where he amassed 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns on 649 carries (4.3 average) before getting injured in his fourth season. He's played in just 11 games over the past three seasons, and is an unrestricted free agent. At 28, the Steelers will likely look to third round draft pick James Conner, who suffered his own injury that resulted in the signing…read more

Preparing for lead role Sunday

Ridley is expecting a sizable workload in Sunday's game against the Browns with the Steelers slated to hold out lead back Le'Veon Bell for rest, Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Steelers haven't offered formal word that Bell, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and other key starters will be rested or limited in Week 17, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed earlier Sunday what had been suspected for the past couple of days. Despite being signed less than two weeks ago, Ridley, who logged nine carries for 28 yards in the Week 16 win over the Texans, appears to have leapfrogged Fitzgerald Toussaint on the depth chart. Toussaint should have a pass-catching and…read more

Ridley carried nine times for 28 yards in Monday's 34-6 win at Houston.

Analysis: Signed to a contract earlier in the week, Ridley saw his first action of the season, filling the role of Le'Veon Bell's backup after James Conner (knee) was placed on injured reserve. Ridley should continue to serve in that capacity in Week 17, limiting his fantasy value.