They’ll be counted on as major contributors the first three weeks. So it’s a positive sign that Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator Todd Haley is happy with the running backs sitting behind Le’Veon Bell.
Speaking to the media Tuesday, he told reporters he felt better about the group compared to last year when LeGarrette Blount essentially quit the team and was subsequently released.
After Blount’s departure, the team’s backup situation was left with a huge void and it showed in the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens when the team signed and started Ben Tate all in the same week.
The Steelers have added high-character veteran DeAngelo Williams to begin the year as the starter, while Bell serves up to a three game suspension, before sliding into his role as the backup. In addition to Williams, the team also has Josh Harris, a perhaps slightly overlooked piece on the roster, and the only other true running back that holds any NFL experience. He is one of the most well-built players on the roster and has flashed in limited time.
Though still one of the weaker positions from a depth perspective on the roster, Haley can at least take solace in the fact no one will be walking out on the team in 2015. Or shoving him along the sideline, something I still think Blount did.
