The Pittsburgh Steelers tried and tried to give rookie running back Le’Veon Bell the starting job, but he couldn’t stay healthy. Instead, the team will have to roll with a running back by committee situation until Bell can return from his mid-foot sprain, which shouldn’t be until around week three.
In the meantime, Isaac Redman, who has been dealing with a stinger, will be the team’s No. 1 back.
Redman has always been a favorite of the coaching staff, despite the fact that he fails to do anything spectacularly. Last season, he produced a modest 410 yards and two touchdowns with a 3.72 yards per carry average.
Jonathan Dwyer, who has looked impressive throughout the preseason, LaRod Stephens-Howling and recently acquired Felix Jones will round out the backfield.
It is a shame to see the Steelers running back situation where it currently is, when you consider their offensive line is actually a very good run-blocking line, but it is something that the team will deal have to deal with. After all, they are used to dealing with a less than ideal running back situation since Jerome Bettis called it a career.