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Come Fan with UsThursday, August 6, 2026

Ben Roethlisberger to blame for Le’Veon Bell’s reduced workload; RB still a fantasy must-start

Le’Veon Bell didn’t get a touchdown and had fewer carries than normal in Week 5. We break down the fantasy implications.

David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell didn't carry the ball as much as he probably should have against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. Bell carried the ball 15 times, his second-lowest total of the season, and picked up 82 yards. He looked great running the ball, with a per-carry average of 5.5 yards. The Steelers were able to beat the Jaguars, but some are questioning why Bell didn't get his usual workload.

As it turns out, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is to blame. Roethlisberger said that he was calling audibles at the line because he felt like the Steelers had "the advantage in the pass game down there," according to Alan Robinson of TribLive.com. Whatever the case, Bell still had a solid fantasy outing, but the Steelers didn't run it at all in the red zone, which is part of the reason he didn't have a touchdown on the day.

Fantasy Rankings: QB RB WR TE D/ST

Fantasy Impact: That was clearly out of the norm for the Steelers, a team that features the No. 8 passing offense and the No. 8 rushing offense in the NFL. They generally strike a pretty solid balance and smart money is on that balance returning against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Browns gave the Steelers a run for their money in Week 1, as Pittsburgh managed a narrow 30-27 victory. Bell is a must-start as usual.

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