Mike Tomlin On Le'Veon Bell Workload: 'He Has The Pedigree For It'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - In Tuesday's news conference Mike Tomlin was asked if he was concerned that Le'Veon Bell is being worn down as the month flips into December and Tomlin in his answer doesn't seem too concerned about that matter.
"He has the pedigree for it," said Tomlin. "That is one of the things that attracted us to him in the draft. He played on a talented offense up there at Michigan State his sophomore year, but then his junior year a number of those guys was in the NFL. A lot of the football went through him his last year at Michigan State. All you had to do was watch him over the course of that season and gain a level of comfort with his ability to tote the load."
Bell has had 283 touches between rushing attempts (218, third most in the NFL) and receptions (65, leads all NFL running backs this season).
Tomlin continued that "During his time here he has proven he is capable of doing that on the NFL stage not only in terms of the running game, but his inclusion in the passing game. He is going to get the bulk of the carries. He is a highly conditioned guy, he is a mentally tough guy. He is a competitor. Personally I think he is built for it and is excited about having an opportunity to do it for us."
Mike Tomlin also spoke upon the fact that the Steelers went away from their game plan on offense due to the inability to stop the big play against New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
"If you give up big plays, you better get a few of your own," Tomlin said. "We didn't complement ourselves in all three phases."
Tomlin also talked about falling behind and struggling to keep up with the New Orleans offense on Sunday when the team allowed 5 touchdowns out of 6 possessions.
"To come out of those possessions with six points at the half is not what you're looking for against a team like New Orleans," Tomlin said. "It can all come back to bite you and it did. Once we started moving the ball, so did New Orleans. It minimized our running game. They matched us score for score."
Injury Report
Tomlin said in his weekly news conference that outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist), right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) and rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (ankle) have a "strong chance" to return against the Bengals. Jones has not played since Week 3 after he was injured on a sack, strip, and fumble on quarterback Cam Newton. Shazier has been inactive for seven of their last nine games die to various Injuries and Gilbert injured his knee during practice last week.
Steve McLendon (shoulder) and cornerbacks Cortez Allen (thumb) and Bryce McCain (hamstring) are all questionable for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Defensive End Clifton Gathers who was previously with the Washington Redskins has been signed to replace Brett Kiesel (triceps) who has been placed on season ending injured reserve.
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