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Pittsburgh Steelers training camp: 4 changes that will take shape in training camp

By Noah Strackbein

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 04: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 4, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 04: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 4, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

James Conner’s expanded role

James Conner not only deserves a chance to play more, but has earned it. He showed up to offseason workouts looking leaner and has impressed everyone as the starting running back all summer.

With Le’Veon Bell absent for no one knows how long, the running back position is his to lose. Expect Bell to return by Week 1, maybe Week 2 by the latest, but that leaves Conner with plenty of time to earn his reps.

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It’ll still be Bell’s backfield once he returns, granted he hasn’t lost a step over the offseason. Conner will get playing time, though, and should see the field a lot more than he did in his rookie season.

It’ll be a 70-30 split between the two, which is a lot looking at the reps backup running backs have gotten in Pittsburgh since Bell has arrived. But with no contract and an improved Conner, this team will be interested to see if the second-year back can take on a larger role.

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