The Pittsburgh Steelers got a taste of what life without running back Le'Veon Bell was like this past season, as Bell held out the entire year due to a contract dispute.

Now, Bell is off the roster entirely, so the Steelers are officially beginning the post-Bell era in 2019.

With James Conner, Jaylen Samuels and rookie Benny Snell in tow, Pittsburgh seems more than equipped to move on just fine without Bell, and general manager Kevin Colbert thinks that his group of halfbacks will flourish, saying “each one of them will make the other ones better,” according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

In addition, Colbert said that he wants to get the most out of all of his running backs, saying that there will be playing time for everyone involved until the Steelers figure out what the pecking order will be.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens replaced by Steelers star at Pittsburgh youth camp he bailed onBen Strauss ·
One mystery player in the middle, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Highsmith around him, Pittsburgh Steelers logo in the background
1 perfect Pittsburgh Steelers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
steelers, steelers trade, pittsburgh steelers, cordarrelle patterson
1 obvious Pittsburgh Steelers trade candidate entering 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen gets real on what’s motivating him this offseasonGuillermo Guajardo ·

“When we drafted Le’Veon, we certainly didn’t have that idea that he would be the featured guy,” said Colbert. “He forced that with his great play and he was that good, he was durable and he wanted to be on the field. James does too, but you also have to understand if you have two or three guys that can maybe get the same production then let’s make sure we’re covered and have the proper depth.”

To be perfectly honest, this sounds like lip service on Colbert's part, as it should be blatantly obvious that Conner, who is coming off of a Pro Bowl appearance, will be the featured running back for Pittsburgh in 2019.

But hey; competition never hurts.