LaRod Stephens-Howling in for visit with Steelers

The Steelers will host their second former Cardinals running back Wednesday when University of Pittsburgh product LaRod Stephens-Howling returns to the Steel City to meet with the team.

Stephens-Howling, who was not re-signed by Arizona, joins Beanie Wells as free agent running backs who recently played for the Cardinals and subsequently spent some time talking contract with the Steelers.

A dubious distinction, for sure.

Stephens-Howling was mostly a special teams player until last season, when he had career highs with 110 carries, 356 yards and four touchdowns.

The Steelers gave original round/right-of-first-refusal tenders to restricted free agent running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman this offseason. Dwyer has signed his tender, but Redman has not. It would not be a surprise to see the Steelers address this position in the draft, and if they did, they would likely want a running back with return ability to replace 2012 fifth-round pick Chris Rainey. Rainey was released earlier this off-season after being arrested on battery charges.

Stephens-Howling would fit at least some of that bill. An adept return man, he may be the kind of versatile player they're looking to add.