Stefan Logan’s arrival on the scene isn’t a problem for the Steelers, it’s a blessing

Photo: David Hague - Inside Pittsburgh Sports

Over the last few weeks a debate has cropped up about whether or not the Steelers should keep Stefan Logan on the roster.

Why this is still a debate is beyond me. Logan should be on the team.

Only in Pittsburgh could we over-think a debate about football and look so stupid in the process. Yes, we do love our Steelers in this town. Sometimes we love them so much we fear the most obvious answer to a question is not the right one.

Well, in this case it is. Anyone who has watched the Steelers this pre-season has walked away thinking: “Boy, that little #41 who was returning kicks should make the club.” Let’s all go with our guts on this one… shall we?

The former BC Lion is averaging more than 22 yards per return after 12 chances in two pre-season games this summer. Those who argue against Logan making the team suggest he can’t make the 53-man roster because he doesn’t do anything besides return kicks. So why “waste” a roster spot on a guy that can only do one thing.

Well last time I checked, doesn’t Jeff Reed only have one job? How about Dan Sepulveda? Or Greg Warren? Does Willie Colon do anything but block on the offensive line? And how about that waste of space Ben Roethlisberger? I mean, he just plays quarterback! When is he gonna man up and cover a kick or try to block a punt?

Yes, it’s true; Logan doesn’t appear to be an NFL capable running back like he was in the Canadian Football League. And, no, making him into an NFL wide receiver seems like too big of a task. By his own admission, the 5’6” Logan is really struggling to pick up the basics of that position.

Well…. so what?! Big deal. Who cares if Logan only returns kicks and punts. That’s a pretty clear function and task. And an important one at that.

Returning kicks is something the Steelers haven’t done well since Atwaan Randle El left for Washington after Super Bowl XL. I know the organization felt burned because it “spent” a roster spot on Allen Rossum, a guy who was just a return specialist. But maybe they would’ve felt less burned if Rossum was any good at the job he was hired to do while he was here.

Granted, it's true that if Logan makes the team as strictly a return specialist, then somebody else won’t make the roster. And maybe that somebody is a guy who is actually good at stopping the other team’s kickoff guy.

Like…say… an Anthony Madison or Patrick Bailey, for instance. Or maybe the Steelers can’t dress three extra O-linemen on game day. Or maybe they won’t have the luxury of a TE/FB hybrid such as Sean McHugh.

But which luxury would you rather have: an exhilarating return man? Or a good blocker?