DeAngelo Williams

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and HC Mike Tomlin discussed the return of LeVeon Bell and what it might mean for DeAngelo Williams.

“Le'Veon doesn’t like to come out of the game. That’s no secret and that’s because he’s in phenomenal shape. But I think it’s still beneficial not just to him [or] to this team in the short term, but in the long term. You’re talking about a long season. If every third series, every fourth series, whatever it is, let DeAngelo come in.”

Might having the accomplished Williams sub for Bell on occasion save their All-Pro for later in the season and maybe even extend his career?

“We all feel confident in DeAngelo,” Roethlisberger said. “The other thing I think we can do is we can put them both on the field at the same time. I think Le'Veon is so dangerous out of the backfield, you know, put them both on the field and use one as a screen, the other as a runner, who knows? I think the possibilities could be endless.”

Tomlin was not offering any specifics Tuesday about how he will use Williams.

“We will figure that out as we go. However, if Bell is available, we will use him.”

Last year, Tomlin said that they were going to use LeGarrette Blount in a significant role, and Bell absolutely dominated the touches. But Williams seems to be a better fit for the Steelers offense than Blount ever was, and is running with confidence. We project Bell for 21.3 touches in Week 3. He averaged 23.3 last season. Williams is in the RB3/flex conversation, but his usage is up in the air.