Ben Roethlisberger is getting a proven weapon back this week with the return of Le'Veon Bell, and he is looking forward to what he brings not just to the running game, but also the passing game.
"He is one of the best in the business at what he does," said Roethlisberger. "He can block, he can catch, and he can run after catch. I am excited to get him back out there."
Bell missed the first three games of the season after being suspended for a violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, but like he does year round he stayed in tip top condition the entire time. Roethlisberger said the only adjustments Bell might have to make returning to the field are dealing with some new things they have put into the offense while he was out.
"I don't foresee there being any issues," said Roethlisberger. "If there are we will iron them out in the next couple of days. There are some things we have put in since he has been gone, but I fully expect him to pick up on it and be ready to go.
"He has been working hard. I think the mental side of it is the big area, the question mark if you will because there are some new things. He was here early this morning. I know he will be ready in practice, asking questions. I don't foresee any issue at all."
Roethlisberger also weighed in on these topics:
On the Chiefs' defense that has eight interceptions through three games:
"They make plays. Not only when the ball is tipped in the air they make a play, but they make plays on the ball. When it touches their hands, they catch it. A very good defense."
*On bouncing back after the loss to the Eagles: *
"That is looking back. We are not looking back, we are looking forward. We have a great team coming to town for Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field and this will be a big test for us."
On if pump fakes are effective against Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, who likes to jump routes and leads the team with four interceptions:
"Potentially, but then you have to have time to get it off because they have a real good pass rush on the other side of that."
On how Alejandro Villanueva has grown since last year against the Chiefs, his first start:
"He has gotten more confidence, better technique. More trust and belief in himself and the guys around him. They have that in him. I think we have seen a player that has grown every week."
On if his has talked to Markus Wheaton to help pump him up:
"I have been around Markus long enough. Our lockers are right next to each other. Just encourage him, let him know we are here for him. He is going to be harder on himself than anybody else is. Don't need to bring him down anymore, just keep building him up and letting him know I have faith and trust in him."
On the importance of getting him back into the game:
"He was down pretty early. Just to get back out there was good for him and all of us. I fully expect him to bounce back and have a great week of practice."
On if Eli Rogers can't go what they will do in the slot:
"We have guys who are veteran guys, even (Darrius) Heyward-Bey, who can fill in that spot. It does stink to lose a guy that has been your predominantly slot receiver and has done some really good things and has grown, but we have other guys we feel can step in and fill the void and be ready to move on."
On the importance of the receivers taking pride in knowing all of the positions:
"That is huge. I think that is awesome they have the confidence, we have it, I have it in them that they can fill in and jump into a spot and we don't miss a beat."
On if Le'Veon Bell is an option at slot:
"In a way yes. We are not going to put him at wide receiver and use DeAngelo (Williams) at running back. But we will, I think, have them both on the field and move them out of the backfield. We are not going to take RB off the front of his name and put WR, but I definitely think he is one of our best receivers."
