Steelers, Rams Hold Talks to Explore Possibilities of a Barry Redden Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers acknowledged Friday that they have been talking to the Rams about a trade for unhappy running back Barry Redden, who has said he would rather play on the East Coast.

Steeler executive Art Rooney Jr. said: “I can’t deny that we’ve asked about him.”

The Steelers are thin at running back with Frank Pollard recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery and Walter Abercrombie out with a form of meningitis.

Ram Coach John Robinson indicated that the Rams were asking for as much as a first-round draft choice or the equivalent in talent.

Robinson said he would prefer to have live talent, adding: “It’s very hard to play a draft choice this year.”

The broken right ankle suffered by quarterback Hugh Millen Thursday night in the scrimmage with the San Diego Chargers at Anaheim Stadium will definitely keep the rookie from Washington out of action this season.

Robinson said Friday: “I’m afraid he’s not going to play football the rest of the year. He might be in a cast for a couple of months.”