Art Rooney II: State of the Steelers - Offense And The Need To Sign Roethlisberger

Golf legend Tiger Woods has been known to say that "you don't win a tournament with one round (on Thursday), but you can lose it with one round." Your typical PGA Tour tournament begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday. Four days of rounds where, if you stumble out of the gate, you can put yourself too far behind the clubhouse leader to be able to comeback and win.

That's exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers did in the 2013 season. When they lost their first four games, they dug themselves too deep of a hole and missed the playoffs by a foot - literally and figuratively.

But it was the surge in the second half of the season that has team president Art Rooney II optimistic.

"I certainly liked the way we finished," said Art II in his season-ending interview. "Unfortunately, we got off to a slow start. I liked the way we finished....You want a team that's playing its best at the end. I think for the most part that's what we did, and that leaves me excited for next season already. We're looking forward to getting started on preparing for next year."

The finish he's referring to is a 6-2 record, a 28 points-per-game average, a +7 in turnover ratio and, maybe most importantly, No. 7 was only sacked seven times in the final seven games.

"There's no question, Ben, like the team, got better as the season went on," said Art II. "You have to like the fact he stayed relatively clean the second half of the season. There's no doubt that's what we'd like to see. We'd like to see him last another five, six or seven years, whatever it is. In order to do that, we have to protect him, and he has to protect himself."

In order for him to "last another five, six or seven years", he has to be under contract also, though. The Steelers generally sign their quarterbacks, as well as other players, with two years remaining on their deal. Well, Ben Roethlisberger has two years remaining on his deal.

However, Art II seemed to indicate that the head brass wouldn't necessarily do that.

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette Art II said that Big Ben knows “our intention is we want him here beyond this contact.” He even said he would want Big Ben to "retire" a Steeler.

"We've got to have Ben retire as a Steeler," Art II said. "There's no doubt about that."

But Art II added that the team possibly won’t extend the current contract in 2014 or 2015. He said that’s “not set in stone . . . it’s not something that’s automatic.” - http://tinyurl.com/lkeu9tp

That may not be the best choice. There's already enough dead money owed which hurts the Cap, plus Big Ben's Cap restrictions.

As was brought out in an article by Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review brought out, “That kills every team, if they’ve got dead money, the cap is against them — on a very flat cap (a cap that doesn’t go up much from season to season). When you pay your quarterback a lot of money like they pay Big Ben, and you look around the league right now, every team that’s paying a quarterback $20 million or thereabouts, none of their defenses are top 10 defenses." - http://tinyurl.com/l97wt3f

So striking while the iron is hot and freeing up money would seem to be the best bet - for Big Ben and for the Steelers - as Steel City Blitz's Marc Uhlmann also points out.

"My suggestion...get a new deal done for Roethlisberger now rather than later....The longer the two sides sit without a new deal, the worse things will get. Keep in mind both sides had to deal with the report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport that the Steelers and Roethlisberger were ready to part ways at this season’s end." - http://tinyurl.com/ma72wcv

Maybe the Steelers will just ask him to do one more, if you will, "minor" restructure for now. That would convert a portion of his $12.1 million salary to an offseason signing bonus, with half of the amount counting against this year’s Salary Cap and the other half against next year's.

I hope not. Either way, though, something has to be done sooner than later.

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TIDBITS: Running Backs - Who will be the backup to Le'Veon Bell next season? As for who the primary backup will be? Jonathan Dwyer, Felix Jones, and LaRod Stephens-Howling are all free agents.
Likely, two of them come back on a veteran minimum or qualifying contract.

Jonathan Dwyer is my choice and the only one I could see making it through Training Camp. Being that he’s still only 24 years old and has had some good games, he unfortunately could get interest elsewhere also.

Felix Jones was the first one off the bench late in the season, so I think Jones probably makes the team in some fashion being that the Steelers do need a regular kick returner. However, OC Todd Haley likes small-ish backs who are elusive and can catch passes out of the backfield. At 5'10 and 215 LBs, Jones doesn't exactly fit that mold. That brings us to...

LASH at least gets a Camp invite. He's still recovering from his knee injury, but if the versatile back is healthy enough to practice he'll be able to compete at and for a couple of different roles.

Steelers Look To Discover First Victory In London

1968.

That was the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers started a season 0-4. The coach at the time was Bill Austin, and their final record that year (2-11-1) was Austin's final record as he is a historical footnote as being the last head coach fired by the Rooneys. He paved the way for a certain Hall of Fame head coach you may remember.

The 2013 version of the Steelers looks to avoid any such record starting Sunday in London as Big Ben look to meet Big Ben. As they do so, they will do something different this week as they prepare for the game - the cable television network The Discovery Channel will follow them around and film them this week.

Appropriate considering their looking to discover their first victory.

The franchise that hasn’t had a player to run for more than 56 yards in the last nine games hopes that new surroundings will help get them untracked. 

“Maybe it’s just the change we need,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said on 93.7 The Fan. “There are genuine football and Steelers fans over there. To me, it was a great experience to go over there and bring that back to the guys and say, ‘It’s more than just a money thing for the NFL. We actually have a lot of fans over there.’ Which is crazy. It is neat that we’re going to go over there and show these fans what Steeler football is all about.”

Let's hope he is right and that the team can build on what the offense accomplished against the Bears. While still not rushing for 100 yards, Felix Jones found several holes early en route to a 4.9 yards per carry average. Then Jonathan Dwyer incurred the wrath of PETA when he finished of a 25-yard run by bulldozing one of the Bears.

More impressive was the play of wide receiver Antonio Brown who had career highs of nine receptions (tie) and 196 yards with two touchdowns. His one-hand catch-and-score topped ESPN's Top Ten plays for week three. 

AB has really taken the leader's role among the wide receivers. He is the unquestioned No. 1 guy in the Steel City and says he is ready to handle the extra attention from opposing defenses.

He's walking the talk: AB leads the AFC in receiving yards (324), leads AFC receivers with 16 receptions for first downs and is the fourth leading receiver in entire NFL. The kind of production even his current rivals expected.

In the offseason, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh told CBS that the Ravens "thought the world" of Brown in the 2010 NFL Draft and were "going through the process of getting to know him."

While AB is a legitimate threat, he needs help to bring the offense up. Not just from Emmanuel Sanders and the rest of the receiving corps, but from Heath Miller and the running game as well. 

Per ESPN Stats and Information, no player had more targets (14) and touchdowns (7) inside the 10-yard line in 2012 than Heath Miller. To say that Miller's presence has been missed is an understatement. 

But just as important may be the running game and the debut of Le'Veon Bell. 

“I won’t dress him to stand on the sideline next to me,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said during his weekly appearance on Sirius/XM.

The question, though, concerns how effective Bell will be. If It Ain't Steel has said from jump that he wouldn't be ready until after the bye, now ESPN's Merril Hoge has eschewed the notion that Bell will be overly effective right away. 

“It’s very tough to do that,” Hoge said. “I’ve seen very few players who can come in and not miss too much after being out a long time....That’s very hard for a lot of athletes. In training camp, you get into a groove and a certain role and certain rhythm, it’s very difficult to quit all that and then try to play (later) at the same speed everyone else is playing." 

Considering the running game and the success of the offense in general requires a working offensive line, Tomlin stated in his weekly press conference that he will continue to look at the three-man combination at offensive tackle. More importantly, he met with guard Ramon Foster about leading the OLine. - http://tinyurl.com/k2xuy9q

Tomlin said that there was "confusion" from an assignment standpoint against Chicago. There was also a confusion from tackling, or lack thereof, standpoint. That can't happen against the Vikings considering they will bring a similar team to London. 

But, there is one thing in particular that can alleviate confusion.

"Frustration doesn't solve the issues, work does....We're going to roll our sleeves up and keep our mouths shut."

Good. Because no one wants history to repeat itself.

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TIDBITS: The Steelers requested waivers on guard Justin Cheadle from the Reserve/Injured list. Cheadle was waived injured in August.

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 NFL fines Steelers' Brown after Bears game - http://t.co/q2MxM8Qy88 

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DNP: Keisel (hamstring)
FULL: Allen (ankle), Bell (foot) and McLendon (hamstring)

The Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger Share Much Blame For Cincinnati Loss

 by Jayden Matthews (@JadyGirl7)

Well, here we are. Who would have thought that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be sitting at 0-2, yet one game down in their division? I know I didn’t.  But, again, here we are. 

I've seen a lot of blame being placed where it doesn't belong. I am sure 93.7 The Fan’s phone lines were lit up again Tuesday with the masses blaming offensive coordinator Todd Haley and head coach Mike Tomlin for this 20-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. I am sure these are the same fans that wanted Bruce Arians gone as well. To those who are playing the blame game, again you would be wrong and obviously don’t know a lot about football. 

From what I saw Monday night there is some blame to be placed on Haley's doorstep, yes. But, a lot of the blame is to be placed on our 10-year veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

Yes, you read that correctly. I am not afraid to say it because I place the blame where it should be. Sure, like most fans I was scratching my head when we ran three straight times in the first series. But, Big Ben audibled a lot Monday night and the no-huddle offense is strictly on him. He isn't infallible and he proved it Monday night. 

Big Ben completed 20 of 37 passes for 251 yards with a touchdown and a interception for only a 73.1 QB rating. According to ESPN Stats and Information, though, Big Ben overthrew his receivers a record nine times Monday night. Some of the overthrows were to wide open receivers that would have extended drives or could have had game-changing results. Like he said, "the quarterback's got to play better." - http://tinyurl.com/l6raz9t

Don’t get me wrong, I love Big Ben, and I know that this team will only go as far as Ben takes them. But there is much more blame to go around than just that laid at the feet of Haley. It has become painfully obvious that this Steelers team isn't good enough to overcome mistakes. Maybe not even one. 

There were two turnovers, including the aforementioned interception, that cut drives short, and would have resulted in difference-making scores. One was on tight end David Paulson, which wouldn't have happened if he simply had secured the ball. Big Ben's interception was high and behind Jerricho Cotchery, killing the drive deep in Bengals' territory. 

But that is Haley’s fault, right? 

There was some good in the game as well. The signing of Fernando Velasco looks to be solid. He came in and started with only a week of practice and did well. I know the OLine still has some work to do, but they looked better than they did week one and in my opinion will only get better as the season moves along. 

The receivers are showing when they get the ball in their hands they can do something with it. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders can make plays in space and combined on 11 catches for 135 yards. Cotchery had his moments also, even though he had a few balls that were overthrown as stated before. Paulson, minus the fumble, also looked solid, including in his blocking.

Felix Jones was doing well, having six rushes for 26 yards early (finishing with 10 carries for 37 yards), and may get the nod Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. The Steelers had trouble producing a solid run game otherwise, though, compiling only 44 yards. Having an NFL-low 1.0 yards per carry before contact is possibly the biggest problem. It is more (lack of) execution and personnel than anything. - http://tinyurl.com/onyrkn2

All of this just shows us that one thing that everyone "obviously" knows: we miss Heath Miller and need him back on the field. But, don't listen to Tomlin - Miller's presence would cure a few problems. - http://tinyurl.com/mgh74uo

During the game, ESPN showed a stat chart of what happens he and Big Ben connect. The stats were good, but they still didn't show what last year’s Steelers MVP actually does for the team. Heath Miller is arguably the most underrated tight end in the NFL for all he does for the Steelers. He is not only Big Ben’s security blanket, but he also is one of the best blocking TE’s in the NFL, and that will also help the OLine in the running schemes. 

I know that almost no one is thinking along these lines, but the Steelers are not out of this by any means, even if the mainstream media wants everyone to believe they are. But, there is hope.

The division is a mess right now with no one team standing out. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are in a two-way tie at the top with 1-1 records. They also, though, have the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers respectively this week, so that could change again. The Steelers have the Bears coming to town, so this could be an interesting week once again in the AFC North.

Could the division see a three-way tie at 1-2? Possibly. The Bears have shown signs that they can be beaten, and if the Steelers can contain Adrian Peterson they can defeat the Minnesota Vikings. So, it isn't all gloom and doom yet. 

But go ahead and blame just one person for the woes so far. Who knows? Maybe he'll be fired by Art Rooney II...er uh...maybe he'll retire. That hasn't happened before...has it?

Ben Roethlisberger Key In Titans' And Season's Predictions

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 season is upon us and, in all truthfulness, there is much about which we still have questions. Questions that will begin to be answered Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans. Questions that may all have one answer: seven.

Make no mistake, Pittsburgh is a tough place to play. If the Steelers get down, they don't usually stay down long. In fact, they have never lost at Heinz Field in September under head coach Mike Tomlin. But, the uncertainties make this more of an intriguing matchup that maybe it should be.

As they prepare for the Titans, the Steelers are looking to capitalize on the advantages they believe they have - a strong-looking and chip-on-it's-shoulder defense, a seemingly healthy Troy Polamalu and, as Jerricho Cotchery expresses, their ready and able wide receivers. - http://tinyurl.com/m476uvk

The OFFENSIVE LINE, though, which has been an issue since 2008, is now one of the youngest and most inexperienced the Steelers have had in decades. That alone could be the determining factor for a successful Steelers season. 

The interior of the line - center Maurkice Pouncey, left guard Ramon Foster and right guard David DeCastro - has a chance to be very good. It's the tackles - left tackle Mike Adams and right tackle Marcus Gilbert who are troubling. Adams has trouble keeping feet set properly and Gilbert, about whom If It Ain't Steel has said many times, is a better guard, has trouble with hand placement and has been flagged because of it. 

That said, this game could set itself up as a template for the season. Will the OLine be able to settle themselves and gel enough to protect BEN ROETHLISBERGER?

An upright and clicking Big Ben has the ability to heal a number of ills. Though the Titans are young with a lot of recent turnover, they brought in 17 free agents and eight draft picks because of missing the playoffs four straight years, they still won't make it easy with the array of blitzes. 

The Steelers would be in good shape if this can be accomplished. They'll be in even better shape if the OLine can provide running lanes for Isaac Redman, Felix Jones and the Steelers' RUNNING GAME. 

As offensive coordinator Todd Haley said in his Coordinator's Corner interview on Thursday, he's waiting for someone "to take the bull by the horns" and "showcase how much they want the job." - http://tinyurl.com/kdvl29o

As we also suggested in our previous post, the Steelers could employ a "thunder and lightning" approach. "Jones' speed and cutting ability would complement Redman's pounding, and would well when the zone-blocking scheme is utilized." - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/09/despite-being-limited-to-just-two.html

It something that we could see not only now, but also until Le'Veon Bell returns. 

As for the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers will look to capitalize on Titans' quarterback Jake Locker's accuracy issues (55% in college) and how he reacts to new and unexpected circumstances. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, while praising Locker for his running and "bootleg" ability and ability to throw on the run, has an ace in the hole with a TROY POLAMALU who appears to be healthier than he has been in several seasons. 

Though, he says he doesn't actually have many plays designed specifically for him. 

"Well, really, believe it or not, we only have a few defenses that are what I could call 'Troy' defenses, said LeBeau. "It's just the defense that we call, but they are a little bit better when Troy is in there. I'd like to say that we do some kind of mastermind scheme but it's just Troy's presence."

In other words, he basically just says, "Troy, sick 'em!"

While it may be their job to confuse and confound Locker, it is the defensive line's and outside linebacker's jobs to CONTAIN CHRIS JOHNSON. Along with newcomer Shonn Greene, the mercurial Johnson gives the Titans a formidable running attack. 

The defensive ends and outside linebackers must hold the edge and handle the tackles and tight ends. Whereas Chris Johnson is patient and wants to find the crease to get into the open field, Greene can run between the tackles and in the gaps. If the Titans run effectively they can build play-action off of that and Locker could fall into a very good comfort zone. That is something that must be avoided. 

If the Steelers are able to accomplish these tasks, along with Ike Taylor avoiding returning to the scene of the proverbial crime, they have a good chance to defeat the Titans with an approximate score of 20-16.

As for the entirely of the season, this and more must continue throughout each game. But it still falls down to keeping Big Ben upright. 

Only five quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown for 30,000 or more yards and have also won two or more Super Bowls - Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, John Elway and Eli Manning. Big Ben will be the sixth this season as he only needs 156 yards to reach the mark. 

Big Ben has the well-earned reputation for extending plays beyond what the average quarterback would be willing or able to do. Just as it can result in him taking yet another unnecessary hit, it can also result in a big gain down the field, as a defensive back can only hold a receiver for just so long before something breaks down. That's when Big Ben has been lethal. 

If the Steelers offensive line can gel into a singular unit, Big Ben can do the rest. With the offense being catered to him, new weapons and players out the first part of the season, his experience and leadership will be paramount. While it may be rougher early on, he and they can be the catalyst to a 9-7, at best a 10-6, season. 

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TIDBITS: Injury Report - Steelers: Le'Veon Bell (foot) out; Heath Miller (knee) doubtful; Jarvis Jones (chest) and Will Johnson (hamstring) probable

Titans: WRs Kenny Britt (knee), Kendall Wright (knee): probable. FB Quinn Johnson placed on IR, FB Collin Mooney promoted from PS to roster. Starting OT David Stewart missed practice Thursday and Friday with a calf injury. He is questionable for Sunday.

Running Backs And Linebackers: Redman, Worilds And The Jones' Boys

Despite being limited to just two carries in the preseason, Isaac Redman will start at running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers opening day at Heinz Field against the Tennessee Titans. The fifth-year back is determined to go out and perform. Though his numbers last season were down, as the quote above insinuates, he believes he has what it takes to represent the Steelers' ground game.

"I just want to prove that I am a starting running back in this league", Redman said per the Steelers Twitter (@steelers) account, "and show that I worked hard all summer."

We have definitely seen flashes of what Redman can do. Just ask the New York Giants about the bullies being bullied as Redman ran roughshod over them for 147 yards on 26 carries. That performance was the top running game by a Steelers' back last season and included both a Mark Bavaro-like 28-yard run in which he carried several Giants like a scorpion carries its young on its back, as well as the game-winning touchdown.

Some, though, question whether Redman can stand the rigor of carrying the rock 25 times for an extended stretch. He has been nicked up more often than you want from a feature back. Then there is the fact that he is prone to putting the ball on the ground, doing so seven times in his four years.

So, will Redman carry the entire load?

“Obviously, we're going to spell Isaac,” head coach Mike Tomlin said at his press conference on Tuesday. “We haven't detailed the rotation or the nature of the rotation at this point....We're continuing to get to know Felix." - http://tinyurl.com/lsyq6t9

"Felix" would be Felix Jones who was gotten in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 23 for linebacker Adrian Robinson (who was cut and then picked up by the Denver Broncos). Jones quickly showed he has abilities too as he ran well in his two preseason games, including running 14 times for 56 yards vs. the Carolina Panthers.

Will we see a bit of a "thunder and lighting" approach? Jones' speed and cutting ability would complement Redman's pounding, and would work well when the zone-blocking scheme is utilized. Regardless, at this point there is safety in numbers. Not another running back-by-committee fiasco mind you, but safety by means of depth.

Speaking of depth, the linebacker position has also long been a Steelers staple. With the likes of Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones and a rededicated LaMarr Woodley, the tradition looks as if it will live on. The wild card in this, though, is Jason Worilds.

Especially against Chris Johnson and the Titans, Worilds' ability to hold the edge will be imperative. He will be needed to handle the tackles and tight ends and to contain Johnson and turn him back on stretch plays. If Worilds is able to consistently control the edge on the run plays as well as rush the passer to help wreak havoc, that will help tremendously the chances of winning.

As for one of the other Jones boys, Tomlin had a big smile on his face when emphatically said, “(Jarvis) Jones is going to play."

Jones has been a turnover machine in his short time with the Steelers. His presence creates unique dilemmas that the Steelers will want to exploit. So, while Worilds and Woodley are your starters, Jones will see his share of playing time. 

As If It Ain't Steel said many times, Jones will neither start week one nor early in the season, but his learning curve won't keep him out long. Not when he has to add his name to the Steelers linebacker pantheon. 

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TIDBITS: The Steelers practice report for Wednesday: Le'Veon Bell did not practice; Heath Miller, Jarvis Jones, Will Johnson were all limited.

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Tight end Heath Miller is off the PUP list, but has been doing only light drills. His return is uncertain, but he is "inching" toward his return. 

"My mindset's not going to change," Miller said. "I just want to keep improving each day and keep stacking those good days together. I still want to think short term, so that's day by day, and keep getting better. That's brought me to this point, and that will take me to a good point soon." - http://tinyurl.com/ly6sxn9

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Steelers signed Isaiah Green to the practice squad after he cleared waivers and then released Devin Smith.

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Fullback Will Johnson is nursing a pulled hamstring, and coach Tomlin said the team won't know until later this week if Johnson will be able to play Sunday against the Titans.

Johnson got hurt in the preseason finale against the Panthers and has only been a partial participant in practice on Monday and Tuesday, and is likely to be limited again on Wednesday.

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“@JohnnyBrovo11: Could never replace the greatness of Casey Hampton. I simply hope to do him proud. #98” 

Those were rookie linebacker Vince Williams' words when given Casey Hampton's old number. Mad respect shown to a Steeler great. For a touchingly poignant discussion on the subject, check out Behind The Steel Curtain's article: http://tinyurl.com/lyyalnb

How The Steelers' Adrian Robinson-For-Felix Jones Trade Affects The Respective Positions

Regular readers of this blog know of the infatuation I had with Adrian Robinson, the promising young outside linebacker who was the darling of the 2012 minicamp and Training Camp. Well, now the love affair is over. The Camp darling, if a 6'1", 250-pound man can be a "darling", has become trade bait as the Pittsburgh Steelers sent him to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back Felix Jones. 

The departure of Robinson and the addition of Jones shifts the seedings of the Steelers' linebackers who are battling for roster spots, and complicates those of the running backs and tight ends. 

To start, the linebacker position is one where the Steelers were fortunately well stocked, and they knew that keeping Robinson on the final 53-man roster would actually be difficult. Why? Two reasons. One is because he played in 12 games last season, as a result he hasn't any practice squad eligibility remaining. So if he were to be cut, he'd simply be gone with no compensation or anything to show for the time he was in town. 

The other reason is this year's Camp darling, Alan Baxter, the bantam but bulldozing undrafted rookie outside linebacker out of Northern Illinois. From all reports, Baxter is an outstanding athlete with a Howitzer for a first step, but in still very young (22 years old) and lacks the size (6'0", 238 lbs.) and strength needed at this level. But, it's his athletic explosiveness that the Steelers' defense has missed the last two seasons. Just as importantly, he has practice squad eligibility. 

Those factors made Robinson expendable. Because, otherwise, there would've been difficult decisions to make for the last two linebackers spots. Now, at worst, Baxter is now a lock for the practice squad, with Brian Rolle being in the discussion as well. At best, Baxter's explosiveness knocks the heretofore unproductive Chris Carter off of the roster.

That was the easy one. 

Though in Eagles Camp this offseason, Felix Jones was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys one spot ahead of former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Jones rushed for 2,728 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per rush in five years with the Cowboys. -
http://tinyurl.com/kabzvlp

This is a depth move, a stop gap, pure and simple. As If It Ain't Steel said individually on social media and as we alluded to in our previous blog, Le'Veon Bell's injury isn't a simple tear or "day-by-day" thing. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/08/six-takeaways-from-camp-games-as_22.html

In his press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin never said that Bell didn't have a Lisfranc injury, he said that "it's a mid-foot sprain. I guess the Lisfranc is involved in it in some way, but it's not a Lisfranc tear like Matt Spaeth experienced that will require surgery." 

"Not having a Lisfranc tear like Spaeth" simply means Bell doesn't need surgery. It's an injury like any other that has varying degrees and grades. He did finish that, though, by saying that the doctors informed that it is correctly termed a mid-foot sprain, but that sentence was capped by, "not that I know." And since he doesn't know, listen to someone who does as Christina Rivers expertly breaks down the injury and what it means for Spaeth and Bell. -
http://tinyurl.com/k9347m7

So, don't go jumping for joy (and causing your own mid-foot sprain) as if Bell will be back against the Carolina Panthers. This type of injury can be tricky and can still put him out for some time. The trade for Jones is proof of that. 

The 5'10", 215-pound Jones adds speed to the Steelers' backfield - the kind of speed possessed by neither Isaac Redman nor Jonathan Dwyer. So, their signing him indicates they weren't exactly content with one of them, probably Dwyer whom they tried to trade during the NFL Draft, and that one of them may not make the roster. They could pair Jones with one of the two as a sort of thunder and lightning approach in order to anchor the running game until Bell returns. 

The Steelers will protect their interest when it comes to Bell, and will presumably ease him back into action once cleared. That presents a problem when settling on the final 53 who will make the roster. 

One scenario suggests that the Steelers will keep three running backs and a fullback. That would allow for three tight ends and six wide receivers. Another suggests keeping four RBs, three TEs and five wideouts. 

If four RBs are kept, that would mean that one would be cut once Bell and then Spaeth, who'll likely receive the eight-game IR designation, return to action. 

Either way, the Steelers' benefiting from an embarrassment of riches at one position may allow them to avoid simple embarrassment at the other.