The Pittsburgh Steelers have added backfield insurance in advance of their AFC Wild Card clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers announced Tuesday that they have signed running back Ben Tate. Pittsburgh’s leading rusher, Le’Veon Bell, suffered a hyperextended right knee in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving his status unclear for Saturday’s playoff showdown.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that Bell is experiencing soreness and pain associated with his injury. Josh Harris and Dri Archer are Pittsburgh’s other running backs, but it’s clear the Steelers wanted to add some depth in case Bell can’t go Saturday.
Tate, a second-round pick in 2010, was a solid backup to Arian Foster with the Houston Texans the last three seasons. The 26-year-old struggled to gain traction with the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings this season, though.
The Steelers certainly will miss Bell if he’s unable to suit up Saturday. The 22-year-old totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage — 1,361 rushing yards, 854 receiving yards — during his 2014 sophomore campaign.
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images
