They were active for the same game just six times last season and aligned in the same backfield for perhaps six snaps.

But Le' Veon Bell is convinced he's going to be seeing a lot more of fellow running back Le'Veon Bell in the same huddle in 2016.

"There are definitely going to be packages where me and 'D-Lo' are going to be out there at the same time," Bell said. "I'm ready for that."

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn't as convinced, but he's every bit as enthusiastic regarding the concept.

"That was something that we had talked about last year," Roethlisberger said. "Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to do it. That could be a weapon for us, some two-minute-drill stuff, some no-huddle stuff, to have both of them on the field."

Bell was suspended for the first two regular-season games in 2015 and missed the final eight and the Steelers' two playoff games due to a knee injury.

Williams ended up missing the postseason as well, but prior to that he averaged 4.5 yards per carry, scored 11 rushing touchdowns, caught 40 passes and totaled 1,274 yards from scrimmage (second among Steelers to wide receiver Antonio Brown's 1,862).

No wonder Bell second in the NFL with 2,215 yards from scrimmage in 2014 is among those who want to see Williams continue to stay involved.

"Even when DeAngelo comes in and spells me, gives me a break, it's going to be a good thing for us," Bell insisted. "Once he was in, the offense didn't lose its touch at all (last season). He was in there doing his thing.
"It's going to be exciting for this year."

The Steelers'  preference in recent seasons has been to operate out of one-back, one-tight end, three-receivers set more often than not.

Deploying Bell and Williams in the same formation would probably necessitate one fewer receiver on the field.

Or would it?

"Most likely," Roethlisberger said. "But you could count Le'Veon as a wide receiver, the way he catches, what he can do. You put them both in the backfield, you split them out, you do whatever you want with them.

"I just think the possibilities are endless because they're very smart players and can bring a lot to the table for us."

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley periodically used two backs when he was the head coach in Kansas City, two backs that were a threat to get the ball one way or another as opposed to a more old-school tailback-fullback approach.

Bell is curious, should he and Williams end up on the field together, what Haley might concoct.

"Whatever it may be, play-action to him, me running routes, I don't know what it'll be," Bell said. "But Coach Haley does a great job of being creative, getting us both involved in the offense.

"I look forward to that."