Ben Tate Signed By Pittsburgh Steelers As Insurance For RB Position

Ben Tate has been signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as insurance due to the questionable status of their starting running back, Le’Veon Bell.

Their rushing star Bell was injured in the previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both the Steelers and the Bengals had already clinched a playoff spot, but were playing for the AFC North title, and a higher seed in the playoffs.

The Steelers could be in trouble if they do not have Bell as their running back heading into the playoffs, as they host their rivals, the Baltimore Ravens in a big game. They enter the playoff picture as a #3 seed following the division-winning victory against the Bengals, and will host the Ravens in Pittsburgh.

Ben Tate has previously played for the Houston Texans, the Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Minnesota Vikings. He has been cut from two teams in the past year, and has been waiting for an opportunity such as this one, which could give him a chance to shine in the first round of the playoffs.

In connection with Ben Tate’s signing with the Steelers, they waived receiver Justin Brown in order to make room on the roster. It is hard to know whether Le’Veon Bell will get a chance to play this weekend or not, but it is doubtful at this point as he could barely walk in practice on Monday.

Bell has a big impact on the offense of the Steelers as the NFL’s second leading rusher, and as he left the field on Sunday night, fans in the crowd were chanting “MVP.”

After LeGuarrette Blount left the team earlier in the season, the Steelers were left with two rookies as backup to Bell, Dri Archer and Josh Harris. They both got a chance to carry the ball in his absence on Sunday, but the team may need some more experience in their first playoff game since 2011.

Ben Tate may be able to aid the Pittsburgh Steelers in getting their first playoff win since 2010 when he takes the field on Saturday. They will play at 8:15 on Saturday, January 3rd.

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Ben Tate Signed By Pittsburgh Steelers As Insurance For RB Position