The loss of star RB Le'Veon Bell to what appears to be a nasty knee injury is a tough blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell reportedly badly tore his ACL, which means his season is done.
The good news for the Steelers is that backup DeAngelo Williams played great in Bell's absence earlier this season. Williams isn't as talented as Bell, but he can play and will be a solid starter. With Bell likely done for the year, the Steelers will need to add a replacement to the team. Jordan Todman and Dri Archer are also on the active roster, but Todman is nothing special and Archer hasn't found a way to contribute much. If the Steelers elect to sign a free agent, there are several players worth adding. Here are five players the Steelers could sign to replace Le'Veon Bell.
5. Bryce Brown
Brown makes the list because he could act as a pass-catching back the team lacks without Bell. Ideally, Archer would fill that role, but he has done nothing this season. Brown is quick, shifty and worth a look. He was recently cut by the Buffalo Bills and had a workout with the Chiefs when Jamaal Charles went down.
4. Jarryd Hayne
The 49ers surprisingly cut Hayne this week and it's unlikely he'll be a free agent for very long. If Hayne isn't signed by a new team, expect him to join the 49ers practice squad. Hayne is still very raw, especially as a runner, so don't expect the Steelers to sign him. Still, Hayne on the Steelers would be fun.
3. Pierre Thomas
Thomas is best catching passes out of the backfield, a talent the Steelers will miss with Foster out. He nearly signed with the Texans earlier this year, and has had several workouts with teams. Perhaps the Steelers will be the team to finally pull the trigger.
2. Fitzgerald Toussaint
If the Texans don't sign a free agent, but still want another RB, expect Toussaint to join the roster. The former Michigan and Raven RB is on the practice squad, and makes perfect sense as addition if Bell goes on I.R. There is some upside with Toussaint and he makes sense as an addition.
1. Ben Tate
The last time Bell was injured, the Steelers turned to Tate. Perhaps they'll do so again. He fits the team's system and could contribute if needed. His knowledge of the offense gives him a boost, too. He still has talent, and did get a workout with the Chiefs when Charles went down.
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