Why the Steelers should sign former Ravens RB, Alex Collins
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers have really struggled to run the football this season. Here’s why former Ravens running back, Alex Collins, could help.
Things have not gone according to plan this season for the Steelers. Against the Browns, Pittsburgh struggled in the passing game and protecting quarterback Mason Rudolph. However, perhaps the most significant concern on offense right now is the Steelers’ inability to run the football.
James Conner and Benny Snell have struggled to get on the football field due to injuries, and players like Trey Edmunds, Jaylen Samuels, and Tony Brooks-James were just not getting the job done.
Brooks-James was recently cut to make room for Kerrith Whyte – another player who has yet to see NFL action prior to his arrival in Pittsburgh. But are the Steelers doing enough? There are some viable options out there that Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert should explore.
One of those players is former Ravens running back, Alex Collins. Collins, who is currently an NFL free agent, has been medically cleared after suffering a broken leg. He was also arrested for marijuana possession last spring. Here’s what Ian Rapoport of NFL Network had to say:
Sources: FA RB Alex Collins is being suspended 3 games by the NFL for his arrest last spring. He eventually received probation. He’s also recovering from a broken leg & should be medically cleared next week. With his legal issues over, could be an intriguing late-season addition.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2019
Collins was dealt a three-game suspension but should be available to play soon. During his time with the Ravens, he was excellent as a runner – averaging 4.2 yards per carry and rushing for 13 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Collins has never been known for his receiving or pass protection but is capable when called upon. Instead, the 4th-year running back is known for his shiftiness and vision as a runner. In fact, Alex Collins was the highest-graded runner in the NFL in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus:
Alex Collins was the NFL's highest graded runner in 2017! pic.twitter.com/VkNAsS0NLf
— PFF (@PFF) March 28, 2018
Collins was an extremely reliable runner for Baltimore. Though he hasn’t played football since 2018, he could provide a spark this team is desperately lacking in the running game.
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It’s unclear how much more time James Conner or Benny Snell could miss, but rolling with scrubs hasn’t been working for Pittsburgh. Alex Collins may come with some baggage with a past arrest and leg injury, but he is ready to go, and he could be exactly what the Steelers need for this struggling running game.