The Pittsburgh Steelers are speaking a running back by committee into existence.
What first started as a spark from GM Kevin Colbert, has come to be a full-blown fire since the Steelers finish up minicamp.
The latest to suggest an RBBC approach in Pittsburgh is lead-back James Conner.
“I think that it’ll be spread out fairly evenly,” Conner said Wednesday of distributing conveys in 2019, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
During coach Mike Tomlin’s career, he has never used a running back committee. From Willie Parker to Rashard Mendenhall into Le’Veon Bell into Conner last year, he’s always employed a workhorse. That could change this season.
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Colbert proposed a committee strategy after the Steelers drafted Benny Snell in the fourth round. Backup Jaylen Samuels then suggested he and Conner could see snaps together. Having a trio of competent backs, the timing could be for the Steelers to disperse touches.
If Pittsburgh uses an RBBC, Conner wants you to understand it’s not because of injury issues.
“I am durable,” Conner said. “I missed a couple of games. Regardless of what shape you are in or your body is, that happens. You know that’s going to happen.”
Back in Conner and Samuel, the Steelers have two backs that have shown they can be effective and attract diverse skillsets to the table. Pittsburgh also enjoys what they have got in Snell. While Tomlin may have chosen to ride one horse in the past, he’ll employ a steady he can trust today.
Ultimately it comes down to the trainer’s comfort level.
“James’ versatility and degree of conditioning will be factors in that conversation,” Tomlin said when asked about a committee approach. “We are available to it. All people are working hard, but there are some other viable men. It’s simply not a two-man discussion at the running back position. I have been delighted with the advancement of this larger body.”
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