While Le'Veon Bell still hasn't signed his franchise tender, the Steelers other running backs – Fitzgerald Toussaint, Knile Davis, James Conner, Terrell Watson and Trey Williams – are using every available rep to get work, and in some cases open eyes.
Davis, a free agent addition this offseason, worked with the first-team against the Colts, and rattled off runs of 10 and 11 yards in the game's first drive, a drive that ended when Ben Roethlisberger was sacked and fumbled.
"I think it was solid," said Davis of his performance. "I have some things to clean up. But for the most part it was solid. We came out of the gate good. It just didn't work. The defense played good. In the red zone some things we could have done a little better. We just have to build off of that.
"It was good to be out there with Ben. I thought we made some good connections. We just have to build off of that."
Davis said that running behind the Steelers offensive line is something that excites him with all of the strength they have up front.
"They are great," said Davis of the line. "All across the board. Pass protection and running game. I saw some good holes. I was able to make some good production. I just have to keep building off of that."
Watson is also looking to build off his performance against the Colts, combined with everything he has done this preseason.
"I think I have done well so far," said Watson. "There are things I want to get better at. I think I have done well so far showing them what I can do running downhill and making decisions. I have been a lot better out of the backfield, which is something I struggled with my rookie year. I think I have done a good job. Every week is a new week."
And none might be more important than this week. It's the final dress rehearsal before the regular season, the final opportunity for players fighting for a spot to show what they can do.
"Every week is a big week, if it's the first preseason game or the first game of the regular season," said Watson. "Every game is big. I just want to go out there and do what I do every week, work on my stuff and do what I have to do.
"I am a big just control what you can control kind of guy. The one thing I can control is how I prepare and go out and execute."
He said it: T.J. Watt on the speed of the game slowing down for him:
"I think I am acclimating very well. Definitely early on when I came in, even in practice, everything was faster. The first preseason game was faster. Now I feel like the game is slowing down for me and I am able to play with my own personality and I am not thinking about what I am doing on each and every single play."
On the run: Runners and walkers still have the opportunity to register online for the 29th Annual Gatorade/Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids' Kickoff Run that will be held on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. at Heinz Field. The race benefits the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund.
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 28, and you can still get in by clicking on Register Now.
Participants can register in person at early packet pick up on Friday, Sept. 1 from Noon- 8 p.m. at Gate C at Heinz Field, or on race morning beginning at 6 a.m. in the FedEx Great Hall at Heinz Field. Registration after Aug. 28 will be $32.
