Steelers reportedly ready to start James Conner Week 1

Alec Brzezinski

Steelers reportedly ready to start James Conner Week 1 image

The Steelers are taking matters into their own hands at running back Sunday against the Browns.

According to post-gazette.com, Pittsburgh will start James Conner at running back even if disgruntled star Le'Veon Bell returns to practice this week.

Bell has not returned to the Steelers this season with yet another contract dispute weighing him down. Bell did not report to training camp, and he did not take the field during preseason. He did the same thing last season, but still finished among the NFL's top running backs in yards and touchdowns.

SIGN UP to watch every NFL game and RedZone during the 2018 season on DAZN

The report states that even if Bell were to return to practice by Wednesday, Conner, who ran well in the preseason, will get the start at in Cleveland.

Bell is scheduled to make $14.55 million this season, but the Steelers could place him on the two-week roster exempt list. The Steelers would not have to pay him, and would in turn save $1.7 million.

Heading into the season with Super Bowl aspirations, the Steelers need to get Bell's situation figured out. Conner is a solid back-up options, but Bell changes the dynamic of their offense. 

 

Alec Brzezinski