With running back Le’Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers failing to agree to terms on an extension deal to beat the deadline to do so on Monday, the Steelers will have to start seriously thinking of contingency plans should Bell opt to hold out for weeks this coming 2018 NFL season or leave the team for good next year.

If it comes to any of that, the Steelers will likely be left relying mostly on James Conner for backfield production.

According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Conner gives Steelers fan a reason to be optimistic of their ground attack with or without Bell.

On the bright side for Steelers fans, James Conner really looks like he can be a solid every down running back in this league. Was very impressive during the spring. Needs to stay healthy though.

Playing behind Bell in his rookie season, Conner appeared in 14 games last year and only had 32 rushing attempts, which he converted into 144 rushing yards with zero touchdowns. His rookie season ended abruptly, when he was placed on the injured reserve list after sustaining an MCL injury during a Week 15 27-24 home loss to the visiting New England Patriots.

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Conner went under the knife back in December to repair his knee injury, and has since been making progress towards achieving a 100 percent form just in time for the 2018 season.

Conner was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Steelers to serve as a backup to Bell. He could be in line for a bigger role, though, in Pittsburgh sooner than later.