Expected to share snaps Week 14

Jaylen Samuels said he Wednesday that he would serve as the Steelers' starting running back this weekend against Oakland, but he acknowledged the expectation of splitting snaps with Ridley, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers may opt to take a hot-hand approach to their backfield in the absence of James Conner (ankle), who will be sidelined for the first time all season. It's also possible the Steelers adjust the personnel based on game script, in which case Samuels' receiving ability would give him a clear edge if the team plays from behind or lands in a tight contest, whereas Ridley might end up with more touches if Pittsburgh is looking to drain the clock. With Conner dominating the playing time up…read more

Will help fill in for Conner

With James Conner (ankle) out this week, Ridley is in line for added work Sunday against the Raiders.

Analysis: The same applies to Jaylen Samuels, with some form of time share likely on tap while Conner is sidelined. Meanwhile, the team promoted Trey Edmunds from its practice squad Tuesday for added depth. While we wouldn't be surprised if the likely committee approach favors Samuels, Ridley is still worth a speculative add for those with extra roster space.

Runs for 26 yards in blowout win

Ridley ran for 26 yards on eight carries during Thursday's 52-21 win over Carolina.

Analysis: Although he failed to catch his lone target, Ridley nearly matched his season total for rushing total leading up to this game (30 yards). Most of his work came after halftime with the Steelers already ahead 38-14 and James Conner being evaluated for a concussion. Ridley could see an increase in touches if Conner were to miss time, in the event that Le'Veon Bell (contract dispute) does not report, but Pittsburgh has 10 days for Conner to recover before taking on the Jaguars in Week 11.

Catches two passes on Sunday

Ridley caught both of his targets for 13 yards during Sunday's 33-18 win over Cleveland.

Analysis: The seldom-used running back also lost a fumble after making his second catch as the Steelers were driving in the third quarter. He now has 13 touches for 48 yards from scrimmage in six games, and the 13 receiving yards were his most in a game since 2013. With rookie Jaylen Samuels getting his first touches of the season, totaling 17 yards on four carries, and Le'Veon Bell possibly returning to the roster in the coming weeks, there is no reason to roster Ridley in any fantasy format.

Gains two yards

Ridley carried the ball once for a 2-yard gain during Sunday's 28-21 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Ridley's single touch was his lowest total since Week 1. James Conner's back-to-back monster games have pushed down his value as we all know Pittsburgh has no problem featuring a single back. Following this week's bye, the Steelers take on a Cleveland defense that has been much more successful against the pass than the run. Rumors about Le'Veon Bell will continue in the meantime, but -- from Ridley's perspective -- the difference between Bell returning or not is the difference between his value…read more

Five carries in win

Ridley ran for eight yards on five carries during Sunday's 41-17 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: On a day when the Steelers had a balanced offensive game plan, with 29 rushes and 29 pass attempts, Ridley provided little more than a breather for James Conner, who toted the rock 21 times. If Le'Veon Bell returns anytime this season, Pittsburgh will likely still find a way to involve Conner in the offense, leaving nothing but scraps for Ridley.

Three carries in win

Ridley ran three times for 18 yards in Monday's 30-27 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: He played just five offensive snaps, and Pittsburgh running backs had just 18 carries all game, limiting his touches. Still, he seems to be the backup to James Conner, as rookie Jaylen Samuels still has no touches this season, making Ridley a sneaky stash in deep fantasy leagues.

One reception Sunday

Ridley brought in his only target for five yards and ran the ball once for two yards in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: James Conner has become of the bell cow of the Steelers' backfield, leaving little room for Ridley or Jaylen Samuels in the rotation. As long as Conner can continue to perform at a high level, don't anticipate Ridley having much fantasy value.

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.