SAN DIEGO – In a conference call with San Diego-area reporters on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers coach praised San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle.

Tomlin knows a little bit about elite play at safety. He coached future Hall of Famer safety Troy Polamalu for eight seasons before the USC product retired last year.

Perhaps Weddle, a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, would consider the Steelers a potential destination when he hits free agency during the offseason.

Weddle has at least 100 tackles in three straight seasons and currently leads the Chargers in tackles through four games with 35.

“I love Eric Weddle, always have,” Tomlin said. “He’s so versatile. He’s a sub-package linebacker. He plays strong safety. He plays free safety. He plays half-field, middle of the field. They blitz him. He’s a do-everything type of a player, and a good one.”

The Chargers will face one of the best running backs in the NFL in Le'Veon Bell. Now in his third season, the former Michigan State star is rounding into form after missing the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Bell finished with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

“I expect a lot out of myself,” Bell said. “I want to make plays in the running game and the passing game – even blocking – doing all of the little things to be a great teammate.

“I’m trying to take on more leadership skills, and be a better leader on and off of the field. And try to be better each and every day. It’s night and day from last year.”