Steelers RB Benny Snell
By default, Benny Snell was at one point the Steelers starting running back. Obviously, he fell back to second string when the team drafted Najee Harris in the first, and the expectation was for him to stay there through the season with Anthony McFarland serving as the change of pace back. The rise of Kalen Ballage and the lack of time Snell ended up playing this season due to injury has really made his roster spot questionable at this point.
While the team could certainly carry four backs, it seems redundant based on the makeup of this group. Harris will take on the majority of work due to the heavy investment the team made in him. On top of that, Ballage is essentially the same style of back, which means carrying both of these backs would be, on paper, pointless.
Had Snell dominated in the final game perhaps the narrative would be different. He looked average though, and with Ballage outplaying him, it seems as though his time on the roster could be numbered. At this point, Snell’s best chance is for the Steelers to carry four running backs. He didn’t prove enough on his own though to make that a must so his odds seem poor. Perhaps the team can flip him for a late-round pick but don’t be surprised if Snell is off this roster come cut down day.