The Pittsburgh Steelers have DeAngelo Williams and Dri Archer as the main running backs while Le'Veon Bell is out for a two game suspension and for fantasy owners, Williams is the best handcuff option for Bell. Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger should make the offense very high scoring, while center Maurkice Pouncey was placed on short-term IR.
The Steelers added Williams this offseason as a backup for Bell and with Bell's two game suspension coming, Williams will slot into the starting lineup. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Steelers decided to keep two running backs for roster cut downs, with Williams and Archer making the roster. The team likely feels that they can get through two games without Bell and that means Williams could be a workhorse for those games.
After cutdowns the team added Jordan Todman as a depth option and they also have will Johnson, but the team really is planning to use Williams for the first two games. Williams won't have as much fantasy value for the rest of the season, but he could be a solid backup behind Bell. Last season Bell was one of the most productive running backs in football and he had one of the highest percentages of yardage gained for his team on offense. Archer comes in with only 10 career carries, so Williams will be the primary player trying to replace Bell.
Last season Bell had over 2000 total yards and Williams comes in after a distinguished career in Carolina that saw him rush for nearly 7000 yards. Williams dealt with injuries last season for the first time in years and he rushed for just 219 yards. Williams only averaged 3.5 yards per carry and he is looking to bounce back for the Steelers. Todman could be a nice depth option for the near future, as he rushed for 134 yards in the preseason for the Panthers.
Last season Brown was one of the most explosive players in football and he put up career high numbers with 129 catches, 1689 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Brown is an explosive player and he has put up over 100 catches and 1400 yards in back to back seasons and he will be relied on even more with Martavis Bryant also suspended. Ben Roethlisberger had a huge season with 32 touchdowns and 4952 passing yards and he is expecting to have another big year.
The Steelers have put Maurkice Pouncey on IR with designation to return after suffering a broken leg in the preseason. The Steelers are hoping to get Pouncey back soon and after that move, the team added back Doug Legursky to take his place. Pouncey will be out at least six weeks with the injury and he will be allowed to return.
