Heading into Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers were looking for ways to scheme both Le’Veon Bell and James Conner into the backfield. Conner has earned a role on this team, after his impressive training camp.
Then, Bell decided he wasn’t showing up. After telling the team he’d be in Pittsburgh on Labor Day, Bell didn’t show. Now, not only has he lost the trust of his teammates, but he has lost his job in the backfield.
Touching the ball 400 times this season is now gone. Bell’s role when he returns (a timetable we do not know) will be behind Conner.