Q: Ed, can you shed some light on what happened to Dan Kreider? I can't think of someone more deserving of accolades than that bruising fullback, especially as his role was largely thankless.

John Sabroske, Des Moines, Iowa

BOUCHETTE: Kreider, 31, is competing with free agent rookie Russ Weil for the fullback job with the St. Louis Rams. He was the consummate blocking fullback for the Steelers, the lead blocker for such players as Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker and Duce Staley during his time with the Steelers. He made the team as an undrafted rookie from New Hampshire, first on the practice squad, and earned his Super Bowl ring. The Steelers cut back on the use of Kreider last year because new coordinator Bruce Arians preferred to use more tight ends, more multiple receivers and wanted a fullback who was more versatile. Then, Kreider's ACL was torn in the muck against Miami last December and he was not re-signed by them when his contract expired in March.