The Pittsburgh Steelers lost running back Le’Veon Bell for what looks like the rest of the season Sunday, as the star suffered a torn MCL in the team’s 16-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Veteran DeAngelo Williams should see a big jump in work in light of the injury.
Fantasy football waiver wire advice: DeAngelo Williams set to be Pittsburgh No. 1 back
With Pittsburgh’s superstar running back likely done for the season, the veteran Williams will see his workload rise. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Williams replaced Bell in Sunday’s game, gaining 110 yards from scrimmage on nine rushes and four receptions. Williams had been the Pittsburgh starter the first two weeks of the season, with 41 carries over the two games, but with Bell’s return from suspension, his workload fell off -- Williams had 13 carries total in Weeks 3-7. Assuming Bell is done for the year, Williams’ carries should skyrocket again, to at least the mid-teens most games.
Fantasy impact: Bell and Williams had all but one of the carries this season by true running backs on Pittsburgh’s roster. With Bell likely done, the team has already made plans for Isaiah Pead to come in for a workout, and Jordan Todman is still in the fold.
Still, at least as long as he’s healthy, Williams seems likely to be the team’s primary ball carrier, without a strong candidate behind him. He’s a must-add in all formats -- he should have been owned by the Bell owner in most leagues already, but now it’s a must. He’ll be a top-20 running back at worst in most weeks.
