The Pittsburgh Steelers have released LeGarrette Blount, the team announced Tuesday. The running back walked off the field before the end of Monday night's win over the Tennessee Titans, reportedly frustrated with his lack of playing time.
Steelers release LeGarrette Blount
The Steelers have released running back LeGarrette Blount, who was reportedly unhappy with playing time.
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Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that coaches and teammates had grown tired of Blount. When the running back dressed and left the locker room for the team bus ahead of everyone else, one teammate reportedly suggested that the Steelers leave Blount in Nashville.
Blount did not record a carry in the win. Instead, Le'Veon Bell had a big day, gaining 204 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. He helped ice the game with several big runs over a demoralized Titans defense late in the fourth quarter.
This season, Bell emerged as Pittsburgh’s best running threat. He has 951 yards on 195 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry to Blount’s 4.1 on just 65 carries.
A source with the Steelers confirmed with the NFL Network’s Albert Breer that Blount’s attitude was the issue.
Steelers source on reasoning for LeGarrette Blount release: "Selfish behavior". Ongoing, and came to a head last night with Bell starring.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 18, 2014 Blount signed a two-year contract with the Steelers this offseason as insurance for Bell, who was coming off an ineffective and injury-riddled rookie season. Bell has had few struggles in 2014, however, and it was clear early in the year that Pittsburgh preferred him over Blount. Blount's high point was a 10-carry, 118-yard effort against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 that was overshadowed by Bell's 147 yards on 21 carries in the same game.
Blount has now been signed by four teams in five seasons. He is a powerful runner who, at 27 years old, should still be able to help out any team struggling with its running game. It appears he must undergo a significant attitude adjustment if he hopes to stick anywhere, however.
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