There’s good news and bad news on the Pittsburgh Steelers running back front.
According to reporters tweeting live from Steelers training camp, Benny Snell is back at practice.
Though he didn’t state specifics of the injury, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a post-practice press conference last week that trainers were evaluating Snell. Until that point, the third-year running back had participated fully in practices with the second team.
Steelers in shells today. Benny Snell on the stationary bike. We don't know his injury but it doesn't appear he will practice today.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 7, 2021
Newbie Kalen Ballage, who had a good outing during the Steelers-Cowboys Hall of Fame Game, was not at practice today. Tomlin indicated post-game that Ballage was dealing with a lower leg injury. The former Miami Dolphins running back averaged 3.8 yards per carry for 19 yards and one touchdown.
Ballage has been out-shining the reserve running backs thus far at Steelers training camp. Since he entered the league, his forte has been in short-yardage situations. Pittsburgh, however, is Ballage’s third stop in as many seasons.
There’s plenty of time before the start of the Pittsburgh Steelers regular season — when on-field production starts to really count — but the health of the Steelers’ depth at running back is paramount.
The Steelers’ next exhibition matchup is Thursday, Aug. 12, versus the Eagles in Philadelphia.
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