"That's for a fast guy," Steelers running back Gary Russell said, with a laugh, when asked about returning kickoffs. "I'm not very fast. I hit the hole; that's all I can do."

The second-year man has done that well enough in recent weeks to serve in the dual, if somewhat incongruous, roles of short-yardage back and kickoff returner. And Russell's emergence is the latest example of how the Steelers have bought into coach Mike Tomlin's concept that players fall into two categories: starters and starters-in-waiting.

"He is a young guy that is working and is beginning to seize an opportunity and expand his role," Tomlin said after the Steelers improved to 8-3 and solidified their hold on first place in the AFC North. "That is what a team is about, and that is what the season is about."

Russell opened the season buried on the depth chart, and the Steelers released him at the end of September and re-signed him to their practice squad.

Injuries at running back provided an opening for Russell, and he has blasted through it, much like he did the crease the Steelers created on the kickoff return that came after the Bengals had taken an early 7-0 lead.

If Russell has provided a spark as a kickoff returner -- he's averaging 24.4 yard per return -- the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder also has given the Steelers a much-needed pile pusher in the backfield.

In last Sunday's 11-10 win over the San Diego Chargers , Russell twice moved the chains on short third-down runs.

Meanwhile, his fourth-down conversion on a 1-yard run Thursday night set up the Steelers' first touchdown.

His 2-yard scoring run in the third quarter provided the Steelers some much-needed breathing room and gave Russell his first career NFL touchdown.

"I think Gary Russell's done a great job on our short-yardage and goal-line (runs)," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "We've had guys step up at every position."

They've needed reinforcements at running back.

The Steelers lost rookie first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall to a season-ending shoulder injury at the end of September, and starter Willie Parker has had trouble staying healthy.

Parker, who missed four games this season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, sat out most of the second half Thursday night. Tomlin said Parker "tweaked" his knee against the Bengals, and the injury is not thought to be serious.

Assuming Parker returns Nov. 30, when the Steelers visit the New England Patriots , the roles are starting to fall neatly into place in the backfield.

Mewelde Moore has played well filling in for Parker, and he's also more than serviceable as a third-down back.

Russell, meanwhile, is looking more and more like the hammer the Steelers could have used when they got stopped on the 1-yard line three times in a span of two games.

"I got the opportunity," said Russell, who has rushed for 48 yards on 16 carries. "I'm going to keep stacking on that."