Few players in the NFL were more productive last season than Le'Veon Bell. There are surely Steelers fans who will point to Bell's late-season knee injury as the only thing that kept a cresting Pittsburgh team from making a Super Bowl run.
We learned Thursday that the Steelers will likely be forced to continue without Bell when a new season begins. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bell is facing a three-game suspension and a fine of an additional game check connected to a DUI arrest and marijuana possession charge last summer. Bell's absence will be temporary, but it still leaves the Steelers in a vulnerable position come September.
The Steelers will now ask more of DeAngelo Williams, the former Panthers running back who signed a two-year deal last month. Williams had his moments during his time in Carolina, but he'll turn 32 in two weeks and missed a majority of last season with injuries to his hamstring, ankle and hand.
As the depth chart currently stands, Williams would be backed up by Dri Archer, a diminutive gadget player not built for excessive use. It wouldn't be a bad idea for the Steelers to add another rusher as insurance.
We'll find out soon if the schedule does the Steelers any favors in September. One scenario to watch: The Steelers are on the Patriots' home schedule, and a showdown of AFC heavyweights is an appetizing option for the annual Thursday night kickoff game played in the house of the reigning Super Bowl champion.
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