Dri Archer

One of the biggest questions facing the Pittsburgh Steelers as they make a push for an AFC North title: What role will rookie Dri Archer carve out in the backfield?

To say the third-round draft pick has been a bit player through his first nine NFL games would be an understatement.

The release of LeGarrette Blount has seemingly created an opening for Archer. But does he really have much more of an opportunity with Blount gone? The Steelers were already phasing Blount out of the offense before the temper tantrum last Monday night that led to his release. Getting rid of Blount only clarified that Le’Veon Bell is the Steelers’ starting running back, third-down back and goal-line back.

Mike Tomlin did not opt for subtlety last week when asked his opinion of Archer and what the Kent State product has shown through roughly the first three quarters of the season.

“Not much,” the eighth-year Steelers coach said. “He is a young guy. He has some talent. He has worked hard. We will see where he is.”

The story went on to say that the Steelers have not figured out a way to use Archer and his supreme speed. But one thing hasn’t fundamentally changed when it comes to the 5-8, 173-pounder: Archer still has to make the most of limited touches before he earns a bigger role in the offense.