PITTSBURGH, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Duce Staley will be the starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday in their season-opener against Oakland.
The seven-year veteran engaged in a competition with incumbent Jerome Bettis in training camp after signing a reported five-year, $14 million contract in the off-season.
"I have talked with both Jerome and Duce, and Duce will be the starter," Coach Bill Cowher said Tuesday. "Jerome will be active on game day. There is no real set plan going in as to how they'll be used. Hopefully, we will need them both at some point during the season. This is how we are going into the season."
Staley has 4,807 yards rushing on 1,200 carries and 2,498 yards receiving on 275 receptions in his career. Last season, he had 463 yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries and 36 receptions for 382 yards and two more scores.
