Steelers News: Boykin, Williams, Haley

The Steelers will look to shake off the funk from the opening loss to New England and make sure their headsets are working correctly in Heinz Field for their home opener against the San Francisco 49ers. While they’re preparing for their home debut we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Friday, Sept. 18th.

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Not this week either for Boykin

Looks like we may have to wait a bit longer to see cornerback Brandon Boykin hit the field for the Steelers’ secondary. He’s listed on the injury report with a groin and did not participate in practice on Thursday.


I still don’t think there’s a reason to panic but I’m really hoping that this doesn’t go the same way as it went with Lance Moore last season.

I have a fever and I need more…Williams?

The Steelers are anxiously awaiting the return of suspended running back Le’Veon Bell to the lineup but, as Around the NFL Writer Marc Sessler explains, they couldn’t have asked for more from their backup DeAngelo Williams.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger clarified Williams’ role on the team and implied that he won’t be put on a shelf once Bell returns to action. Last season the Steelers began with the plan to have Bell and LeGarrette Blount share the workload but Bell basically exploded in production and rendered that plan obsolete.

This time around, however, the Steelers went into the season knowing that Bell would be one of the most valuable components of the offense and added Williams to complement him rather than split the duties.

Blame Haley

On their first offensive possession against New England last Thursday the Steelers offense drove the ball 56 yards on five plays including 33 rushing yards from DeAngelo Williams. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reminds us how that fine play calling and ball moving came to a screeching halt when a trick play was called involving an Antonio Brown reverse.

“I’ll take bad call. If they don’t work, they are bad calls.” – Todd Haley

Brown was sacked for a loss of eight yards by defensive lineman Malcom Brown. The play literally sacked the Steelers production as they went on to have a penalty on the ensuing play and a missed field goal attempt to top off the possession.

Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley took the blame for the call on Thursday.

Next: Steelers vs. 49ers: 4 reasons the Steelers will win

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