By Alan Robinson

Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 6:36 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Jonathan Dwyer's yardage was the most by a Steelers running back in more than a year, but it didn't necessarily earn him a start Sunday against Washington. Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) looks to be getting close to returning, and coach Mike Tomlin was noncommittal Tuesday about his starter.

Tomlin said Dwyer is “evolving as a player and as a person. It's good to see him take advantage of opportunities when presented.”

Dwyer won't campaign for the job even after Mendenhall and Isaac Redman (ankle) return.

“If they were to be back, I have no problem,” Dwyer said Tuesday on TribLIVE Radio. “He (Mendenhall) is the starter and he's earned that here. All I tried to do Sunday was solidify myself as a player.”

Mendenhall and Redman were his biggest cheerleaders in Cincinnati, according to Dwyer.

“They were more excited than I was,” he said.

Reserve returns

In their last two games, the Steelers have had a 100-yard rusher (Dwyer) and a running back who had more than 100 yards receiving (Redman) — and neither is listed as their starter. And their game-clinching touchdown Sunday wasn't scored by any of those three, but by Chris Rainey. Baron Batch, Rainey and Redman have their three rushing touchdowns.

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