BENNY SNELL JR. NEWS

Minimal usage in Week 4 Snell recorded one carry for zero yards and failed to haul in his lone target in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Packers.

Impact Snell played a season-high eight offensive snaps against Green Bay, but he failed to record any yardage in the loss. The 23-year-old has had a minimal role on offense behind rookie Najee Harris, who played 80 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in Week 4.

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Limited role once again Snell recorded two carries for one yard in Sunday's 26-17 loss to the Raiders.

Impact Snell was utilized exclusively on special teams in last week's season opener, and he saw minimal offensive work in Week 2. Rookie running back played 95 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday after he was on the field for every snap last week, so Snell's playing time should remain limited.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

No offensive snaps Snell logged 19 snaps on special teams during Sunday's 23-16 win over the Bills.

Impact Snell failed to see any snaps on offense, as rookie running back Najee Harris was on the field for 100 percent of the team's offensive snaps. The veteran Snell is No. 2 on the depth chart, but Harris' three-down skill set will likely make it hard for Snell to see enough action to be relevant for fantasy. The 23-year-old would be next in line for action if Harris were to suffer an injury and be forced to miss time. Snell and the Steelers will host the Raiders in Week 2.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Eight carries in preseason debut Snell carried the ball eight times for 28 yards and also recorded one reception on one target for four yards in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Impact Snell had not participated in any of the team's preseason contests to this point and also missed significant periods of practice due to a lower body injury. He was the first back on the field for Pittsburgh -- Najee Harris did not play -- and participated on offense at various points in every quarter. The highlight of Snell's performance came midway through the second quarter, when he ripped off a 17-yard run. Snell's inability to stay on the field during training camp has him on the roster bubble, though he could also enter the regular season as the primary backup to Harris.

AUGUST 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Should play this week Head coach Mike Tomlin said Snell (lower body) will play in Friday's preseason game against Carolina, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Snell has been in and out of practice throughout August and hasn't played in any of the Steelers' exhibitions. It's hard to say where he stands on the depth chart, as competition for backfield roles appears open behind first-round pick and presumed starter Najee Harris, who will be held out of Friday's preseason contest. Snell still could be the team's No. 2 running back, but it's also possible he gets cut before the Aug. 31 deadline to chop rosters to 53 players.

AUGUST 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Didn't suit up against Lions Snell did not dress for Saturday's preseason game against the Lions, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Impact Snell returned to practice Tuesday and was expected to be active for the contest. It's not clear what caused the change in his status, but it may not bode well for his chances to secure the backup running back role in Pittsburgh.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Snell (undisclosed) returned to practice Tuesday, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Impact Snell had been working on an exercise bike last week and had participated in individual drills recently, but he received carries in Tuesday's practice. While it's still not clear what injury the 23-year-old was dealing with, it wouldn't be surprising to see him active for Saturday's preseason game against Detroit as he competes for a backup role behind Najee Harris.

AUGUST 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not practicing yet Snell (undisclosed) got in some work on an exercise bike Monday, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Impact While he's still not ready to practice, this supports the notion that Snell's issue isn't a long-term concern. Once he returns to practice, Snell will look to solidify his backup role behind Pittsburgh's top RB option, rookie Najee Harris. Also competing for slotting in the team's backfield are Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Samuels and Kalen Ballage.

AUGUST 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misses practice Snell (undisclosed) missed his second straight practice Sunday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact The same applies to fellow RB Kalen Ballage, with neither player's absence viewed as a long-term concern. Once he's back in the mix, Snell will look to solidify his role behind top back, rookie Najee Harris. Also in the depth mix in the Steelers backfield are Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Samuels and Ballage.

AUGUST 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

No touches in Hall of Fame Game Snell didn't record any touches in the Steelers' 16-3 win over the Cowboys in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Impact Najee Harris is in line to serve as the Steelers' lead back to begin the regular season, and he started Thursday's contest and recorded eight touches. Jaylen Samuels, Kalen Ballage and Anthony McFarland all recorded carries behind Harris, but Snell was left out of the offensive mix in the preseason opener. The 2019 fourth-rounder had the chance to secure a larger role in James Conner's absence last season but is in danger of losing his spot on the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.

AUGUST 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

On roster bubble Snell isn't assured a spot on the Steelers' roster to begin the 2021 season, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Snell had the chance to secure the starting job at running back last year while James Conner was sidelined, but the 23-year-old averaged just 3.3 yards per carry during the 2020 campaign. The 2019 fourth-rounder enters training camp as a clear backup after the Steelers drafted Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he could be in danger of losing his roster spot if newcomer Kalen Ballage is able to carve out a role in the team's offense. Also battling for backfield slotting will be Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Samuels.

JULY 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Likely slated for backup role Snell will likely begin the season as a backup after the Steelers selected Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Impact Snell rushed 111 times for 368 yards and four touchdowns last season while working behind James Conner, and it appears as though he'll serve as a secondary option in 2021, even after Conner signed with the Cardinals. The Steelers decided to improve their running game by taking the first running back off the board in the first round of the draft, and coach Mike Tomlin described Harris as a "three-down back" after the team selected the Alabama standout. Snell should compete for touches with Anthony McFarland and Kalen Ballage behind Harris in 2021.

APRIL 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Alabama star Najee Harris to give their running game a jolt

APRIL 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Steelers part ways with Randy Fichtner, 2 assistants

The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up their coaching staff

JANUARY 14, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

What now? Steelers face uncertain future after quick exit

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for what could be a busy offseason

JANUARY 13, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Totals 10 yards in loss Snell rushed three times for 10 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Browns.

Impact Coach Mike Tomlin said several weeks ago that he hoped to get Snell more involved in the team's offensive attack, but he's failed to make much of an impact over the past two games. The 2019 fourth-rounder showed some glimpses of promise during his second season in the league, rushing 111 times for 368 yards and four touchdowns while bringing in 10 of his 14 targets for 61 yards. He could have a chance to serve as the lead back for the Steelers next year if James Conner doesn't return to Pittsburgh, but Snell will continue to slot in behind Conner during the team's current playoff run.

JANUARY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Inefficient against Colts Snell rushed six times for zero yards in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Colts.

Impact Coach Mike Tomlin said during the week that Snell would likely see an increased role for the Steelers going forward, and the 2019 fourth-rounder led the team with six carries against Indianapolis. However, he was unable to record any yardage after topping 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 15. Snell received two carries inside the five yard line, but he couldn't reach the end zone in the win. He'll attempt to generate more production against the Browns in the regular-season finale.

DECEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Steelers can exhale after a wearying run to AFC North title

The Pittsburgh Steelers can finally exhale after locking up the AFC North title

DECEMBER 28, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colts, Steelers meet while heading in opposite directions

The Indianapolis Colts are surging

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

What now? Slumping Steelers searching for answers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reeling

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

May have earned increased role Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted Tuesday that Snell may continue to have a sizable role in the team's offensive game plan Week 16 against the Colts, even if James Conner (qua...

Impact While Conner was inactive Monday, Snell stepped in as Pittsburgh's lead back and was one of the bright spots in the disappointing loss, rushing 18 times for 84 yards and a score and catching three of four targets for 23 yards. Though Tomlin is hopeful Conner will be back Week 16, the 25-year-old had struggled over his last five outings prior to Monday's absence, averaging 3.5 yards per carry and 3.3 yards per target while finding the end zone only once. Conner's shaky health and poor production of late coupled with Snell's strong outing Monday may result in a timeshare being in place Week 16, an arrangement that would make it difficult to extract fantasy value from either back.

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Fills in admirably on MNF Snell rushed 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown while catching three of four targets for 23 yards in Monday's 27-17 loss to Cincinnati.

Impact Snell worked as the lead back for the struggling Steelers rushing attack with James Conner (quadriceps) inactive, and he got a consistent workload even as Pittsburgh surprisingly fell behind 17-0 in the first half. The 2019 fourth-round pick contributed to his team's second-half comeback bid with a 29-yard burst -- one yard short of his career-long run -- to set up a field goal in the third quarter and a one-yard touchdown plunge in the fourth. Conner was reportedly close to suiting up in this one and will likely return in Week 16 against the Colts, bumping Snell back down to a bench role.

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Bengals ride big first half to shocking win over Steelers

Giovani Bernard scored two first-half touchdowns after turnovers and the Cincinnati Bengals held on to stun the badly slumping Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Benny Snell breaks loose for explosive 29-yard burst Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell breaks loose for explosive 29-yard burst.

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • NFL.COM