PITTSBURGH -- With running back Le'Veon Bell out for the season with a right knee injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to rally around DeAngelo Williams, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
"We'll go back to him being the featured back in the offense," Tomlin said.
The last time that happened, Williams averaged 102 rushing yards in the first two games of the season while Bell served a suspension for marijuana use.
Team doctors are discussing the rehab plan for Bell, who is on injured reserve after suffering an MCL tear on Sunday against Cincinnati. Luckily for the Steelers, Bell's ACL is intact, which bodes well for his presence on the field in 2016.
Surgery is a possibility.
In relief of Bell on Sunday, Williams rushed for 71 yards on nine carries, including a 55-yard breakaway down the sideline. Williams is listed at 207 pounds, which is at least 10 pounds lighter than his playing weight in Carolina, where he rushed for 6,846 yards in nine seasons.
"I have a great deal of comfort knowing his capabilities," Tomlin said. "He's displayed the necessary will that will allow us to do what we do."
The Steelers can't replace a talent like Bell, but they plan to run many of the same rushing plays with which Williams and Bell have had success this year.
Tomlin said the team will need the help of other backs, too. Jordan Todman is likely the No. 2 back. They also have change-of-pace kick returner Dri Archer and fullback Will Johnson.