Stefan Logan, nick named “Joystick” from his CFL days, achieved his dream of making an NFL roster, and will be the Steelers lead return man when they open the regular season next week against the Tennessee Titans.

None of this has been officially announced of course, nor does Steel Curtain Rising have any inside sources.

None are necessary.

Stefan Logan Captializes on Opportunity

Carolina won the coin toss, the Steeler defense forced a three and out, the Panther’s punted, Stefan Logan fielded it and then did what he has done all year long – he took his opportunity and ran with it!

• Logan didn’t stop until he was 80 yards down the field and inside the end zone for a touchdown.

Logan exploded on the scene during the Steelers second preseason game against the Redskins, and made the most of his only opportunity to return kicks last week against the Bills.

The Steelers have lacked a viable return threat since Randal El departed after Super Bowl XL.

• Curtain’s Call: It would seem like they have now found one in Stefan Logan.

Isaac Redman Also Makes a Case?

Another player on the bubble is Isaac Redman, undrafted rookie free agent out of Bowie State Maryland. Issac Redman caught the attention of Steelers Nation with two goal line touchdowns against the Cardinals in the preseason opener, and then followed up with additional scores against the Steelers first string defense in Latrobe.

Redman did not fare quite as well against the Redskins and the Bills, statistically speaking, but tonight he gained nearly 80 yards in just twelve carries, including a ten yard touchdown.

• Perhaps most signifigantly, Redman’s touchdown came in the first quarter against the Panther’s first string.

The Steelers must make some very difficult decisions regarding the backfield. They really liked Frank “the Tank” Summers, whom they drafted in the 5th round. But Summers has been injured throughout preseason, and only carried once tonight.

Given that the Steelers do not like to cut draft picks (although they’ve cut plenty of 5th round picks before), before tonight the conventional wisdom was that the Steelers would probably keep Summers and attempt to sneak Redman onto the practice squad.

• After tonight, it will be next to impossible to “sneak” Redman on to the practice squad.

Curtain’s Call: Steelers keep Redman on the active roster, and either punt Summers on IR or attempt to stash him on the practice squad. *

Ryan Mundy Steps Up

The Steelers 6th round pick from the 2008 draft also made some headlines tonight. Ryan Mundy not only hauled in a 31 yard interception that he returned for a touchdown, but he also registered six tackles and one sack. And in case any coaches missed that, he also defensed two passes.

Ryan Mundy might still be a long shot to make the team, but he certainly made the most of his opportunity.

Steeler Starters Play Little

Mike Tomlin went the reserves early, and with good reason. Several Steelers were banged up, although the only one who looks to make the time was Donvan Woods, who recovered a fumble and then injured his hamstring.

The only other significant news of note was that fourth string quarterback Mike Reilly continued his audition to make a roster elsewhere by going 5 of 7 for 65 yards.

The Steelers 21-10 victory over the Panther’s concludes their preseason.

At 4:00 pm tomorrow Mike Tomlin will hold final preseason press conference, and offically announce the final roster.

But you read it here first. Stefan Logan is now a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Score One for Scott Brown

The Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown now can claim some bragging rights on Stefan Logan. Brown sung his praises a number of weeks ago when the Post-Gazzette’s Ed Bouchette opined that Logan was headed for the waiver wire.

Score one for the Young Turk of the Steelers Press Corps.

*See comment section for more detail.