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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 takeaways from the initial depth chart release

By Noah Strackbein

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 27: Darrius Heyward-Bey #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 27: Darrius Heyward-Bey #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 18: Fitzgerald Toussaint #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against the Philadelphia Eagles during a preseason game on August 18, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 18: Fitzgerald Toussaint #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against the Philadelphia Eagles during a preseason game on August 18, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Fitzgerald Toussaint is really liked by this coaching staff

Everyone knew Knile Davis wasn’t brought in to be a backup running back. He’s there to return kicks and maybe help in the run game if absolutely necessary. As a primary runner, though, he wasn’t even considered when the Steelers made the move.

With Le’Veon Bell still holding out and James Conner dealing with a shoulder injury, Pittsburgh went with Toussaint for the start. Yes, it’s somewhat of last resort, but the way he’s impressed during the offseason, it means a lot more than just a pity start.

This game will go a long way when the team makes cut later in the preseason. Toussaint is fighting a battle between third string running back and practice squad. As long as this start goes well, though, he’ll be locked in to stay on the active roster.

Maybe he isn’t going to be a huge contributor during the regular season, but if need be, Toussaint has proven he can take on a workload. With plenty of rushes coming his way against New York, he can assure that this game will be the deciding point between bench warmer and regular season reps.

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