The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without superstar running back Le'Veon Bell as training camp gets underway. Bell's contract situation with the team has been a major distraction in Pittsburgh, but the absence of the perennial Pro Bowler isn't worrying two-time Super Bowl champion, Ben Roethlisberger.
The veteran quarterback was recently asked about the star back not being at training camp. Roethlisberger took an interesting approach to Bell missing majority training camp saying the following, via Ed Bouchette the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“He is a stud when it comes to working out and training. I think this is an awesome opportunity for the other guys.”
With Bell's time with the Steelers more than likely coming to an end after the 2017 NFL season, the team's coaching staff may want to start at the other running backs on the roster and potentially giving them more of a role in the offense this year. Second-year back James Conner could see more carries this season if head coach Mike Tomlin wants to go in that direction.
As for Roethlisberger's contract situation, the veteran has two more years on his deal and isn't concerned about his long-term future with the team at this point in time, via Bouchette.
“It hasn’t even been a thought. If they’ve talked to … my representatives, I don’t know about it. I’ve got this year and next year. So I’m not worried about it. I’ve played long enough that I don’t need to sit here and worry about the next one. I’ll just play this season and let them figure out what they want to do.”
For the time being, Roethlisberger is clearly focused on the upcoming season and competing for a third Super Bowl title.