Could Steelers employ running back by committee when Le’Veon Bell returns?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a dilemma on their hands if Le’Veon Bell returns to the team when expected to, but some members of the team have reacted with enthusiasm to one proposal.

Reports have indicated that Bell is likely to return to the Steelers next Monday during the team’s bye week, raising the question of how the team will mix him into the lineup along with current running back James Conner. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculated that the team could employ some sort of running back by committee approach, which was met with enthusiasm by some members of the team.

“You know, Le’Veon has some concerns with his workload, so I think it would be clutch to have two guys like that coming in and sharing the workload,” tackle Marcus Gilbert said.

“That would be awesome,” said center Maurkice Pouncey. “That’s probably what he wants and that’s probably a good thing for both sides of the team. But we’ll see how it plays out. You never know until the situation comes.”

Conner has 342 yards and five touchdowns to go with 239 receiving yards this season, and the team has talked about wanting to get him more involved in the offense. That idea probably won’t change even if Bell returns, particularly since there remain questions about Bell’s long-term future with the franchise.