PFT: Duuuuce to be released after the season?

BigEd76 · September 17, 2005, 01:06:23 PM

QuoteDUCE ON THE DECLINE

Few folks around the NFL were surprised this week when Steelers running back Duce Staley acknowledged that Willie Parker has earned the starting gig via a 161-yard performance on September 12 against the Titans.

The real shocker for many league insiders is why Staley is even on the roster.

Come next year, when Staley's salary shoots from $665,000 to $2.5 million, Duce likely will be cut loose -- especially since some in the organization quietly are beginning to question his toughness.

When he came to the 'Burgh, toughness wasn't an issue. But since then a string of injuries have limited his availability. Sure, he had 830 yards in 10 games last year. Still, the only thing folks remember about the Steelers 2004 running game is that Jerome Bettis saved the day after Staley succumbed to injury.

And injury likewise is hampering Staley again this year. He missed most of training camp after unexpectedly needing a 'scope job. He only recently returned to practice, and at this point there's no reason to give him game reps that otherwise would go to Parker and to Verron Haynes.

Sgt PSN · September 17, 2005, 01:19:01 PM

I had a feeling when Duce signed with them that it would really only be a 2 year deal unless he absolutely blew up in Pittsburgh, much like TO's current contract. The fact that there's already talk about it after week 1 and the emergence of Willy Parker, what are the odds that Pitt entertains the idea of trading him? And if they did, given the uncertainty of the RB position behind Westy, what are the odds that Reid entertains the idea of trading for him?

MURP · September 17, 2005, 01:19:28 PM

Duce can be Amabassador Jr.

MDS · September 17, 2005, 01:23:20 PM

Duce sounds better than Lamar Gordon. But Duce doesn't sound better than Bryant Michael Westbrook or Ryan Moats.

SD_Eagle5 · September 17, 2005, 01:42:51 PM

Quoteespecially since some in the organization quietly are beginning to question his toughness.

That's especially shocking since his peers recently voted him the NFLs toughest player.

PhillyGirl · September 17, 2005, 01:45:47 PM

I can't believe that his toughness is being questioned.

Isn't this the same guy who played almost a full year with a hernia?

General_Failure · September 17, 2005, 02:19:17 PM

That was a long time ago, he's getting old now.

PhillyPhreak54 · September 17, 2005, 02:38:00 PM

He'll be our next Dorsey Levens...

On speed dial and coming back next year.

Bring back DUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!

Wingspan · September 19, 2005, 11:53:39 AM

i blame tom modrak for all of this.

LBIggle · September 19, 2005, 04:00:48 PM

meh.. i've moved on.

mussa · September 19, 2005, 04:10:13 PM

id take duce back as a great number 2 back.

rjs246 · September 19, 2005, 04:12:14 PM

Well when Westbrook leaves and Moats doesn't pan out we can have Gordon, Duce and the omnipresent Mahe in our backfield.
YAY!

LBIggle · September 19, 2005, 04:25:44 PM

Quote from: rjs246 on September 19, 2005, 04:12:14 PM
Well when Westbrook leaves and Moats doesn't pan out we can have Gordon, Duce and the omnipresent Mahe in our backfield.
YAY!

you forgot that we'll also have buckhalter for at least a quarter or two for next year.

WEST is GOD · September 19, 2005, 04:28:23 PM

By the time Westbrook leaves Gordon won't be here anymore. Westbrook's contract extension with the Eagles is inevitable.

PhillyPhreak54 · December 04, 2006, 06:46:28 PM

QuoteESPNews reports the Steelers released RB Duce Staley.
Staley signed in 2004 and looked like an ideal fit for Pittsburgh's season. He was for half a season, averaging over 100 rushing yards a game, while letting Jerome Bettis vulture his touchdowns. But Staley literally got fat and happy the last two years and the organization grew tired of his effort and injuries. The Eagles could look into signing him, but we doubt he'll ever have a major role in the NFL again.

Get Duce?

PFT: Duuuuce to be released after the season?

SD_Eagle5