Around this time last year, Pittsburgh Steelers running back was working with the first-team offense, but more as a placeholder for the eventual return of Le’Veon Bell. He was hopeful of carving out a larger role in the offense for himself than he had during his rookie season before he tore his MCL, but nothing was being guaranteed him. And he didn’t expect anything different.
He still doesn’t. In fact, even after becoming a Pro Bowler last season—outright, not as an alternate—he still believes he has to earn the starting job this summer. He gained 1500 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 13 games for the Steelers last season.