PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin is talking up Fitz Toussaint, calling him a talented, hard-working, blue-collar guy. He said the whole staff was excited to see him get extended run on Sunday at Cleveland, where he was "very, very capable" in the passing game as a blocker.
That all sounds great. But those words won't quell the concerns of Steelers fans who see chaos surrounding the running back position for the second straight playoff run.
DeAngelo Williams' foot injury casts a pall around a Steelers offense that could look one-dimensional Saturday night against the Bengals. Tomlin said team doctors told him Williams is day-to-day, and the Steelers will build the running back gameplan around Toussaint and five-year journeyman Jordan Todman -- at least early in the week.
Williams likely won't practice early in the week, but he's optimistic, telling at least one teammate on Sunday that he has a foot strain that isn't serious.
When Le'Veon Bell went out in Week 17 last season, the Steelers had nothing more to give in a 30-17 loss to the Ravens in the wild card game. The underwhelming trio of Josh Harris, Dri Archer and Ben Tate, who was signed days before the game, combined for 43 yards on 15 carries. None of those three players is in the NFL.
In March, Pittsburgh smartly signed Williams to a two-year, $4-million deal that became one of the offseason's better maneuvers. Williams has been fantastic as a potent red-zone rusher (11 touchdowns leads all Steelers playmakers) and a highly-skilled pass blocker.
The Steelers need him. Ben Roethlisberger, who's big on trust, trusts Williams all day.
Though Roethlisberger doesn't seem deflated by the possibility of losing Williams. He said Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan that this year's stable of backups is more equipped to handle the offense than last year's makeshift crew. Todman is a five-year veteran who had a few bright moments in Jacksonville, though it's curious that he couldn't hold onto the No. 2 job. Toussaint has flashed in practice but hasn't shown it in games. He's got 54 yards on 24 NFL carries. The Steelers also have H-back Will Johnson, who's capable for spot duty.
This time of year, though, the running game must be a strength. Unless Toussaint is the next breakout playoff star no one knows about, only Williams provides that luxury.
