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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been faced with a lingering matter with star running back Le'Veon Bell continues to hold out from the team due to his contract situation, which has placed second-year running back James Conner in the place to draw the start possibly.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has voiced that he's moving forward with the notion that Conner will be the starter against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.
Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger said he is proceeding as if James Conner will be Pittsburgh’s starting RB Sunday at Cleveland. Wise move. If we haven’t seen Bell by now, why would we see him the rest of this week?
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2018
In Bell's absence over the last few months has allowed for Conner to step into a prominent role in the offensive game plan. He had put together a solid preseason where he put on display his playmaking ability in limited action rushing for 100 yards on 19 carries including a touchdown. He had shown some promising potential with some solid runs that were highlighted by his 57 rushing yards on five carries with a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second preseason game.
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If Bell continues to stay out of the mix, it should see Conner get plenty of opportunities to also show that he can be their long-term answer at the running back position beyond the 2018 season. The Steelers are in a unique position with the Pro Bowler that could see him likely being in his final year with the franchise as there is no clarity to their contract situation that could easily extend toward next offseason with him signing elsewhere in free agency without much push to bring him back from the front office.
Ultimately, it is all on Conner's shoulders to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him showcase he has can be that workhorse running back that the team can lean over the next several years. If this matter with Bell continues to linger on, he could find himself in a highly beneficial spot with the Steelers.
