The Steelers offense has been slammed with their share of injuries this season, starting with center Maurkice Pouncey, then quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and now running back Le'Veon Bell.

While it's part of the game, it's not an easy part and one that definitely has had an impact.

"It's something you can't control," said tackle Marcus Gilbert. "It's part of football. Injuries do happen. It's frustrating. That is the thing with us, we have to move past these injuries and try to find a way to overcome our struggles. It's been frustrating. I know what kind of offense we can be, but dealing with these injuries with key players can affect the offense."

The Steelers placed Bell on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury, the second straight year he has finished the year on IR.   

"It's frustrating to see Le'Veon go down and set everybody back," said Gilbert. "I know how hard he works. He is a special player. To see that for a second time kind of crushes you. He is a major part of this offense. We go as he goes.

"It's something we have to move on from and play in his honor. It's something we have to grow from and learn from. We have to come together and figure out a way to win. We have to step it up a notch."

One player who will make sure the offense steps it up a notch is running back DeAngelo Williams, who will start in Bell's absence. Williams started the first two games of the season when Bell was suspended, and carried the ball 41 times for 204 yards in those two contests.  

"He has done some great things," said Gilbert. "He is very comfortable with us blocking for him. He has been there before. He is a vet. It's going to be his show now. We will just rally behind him, encourage him, and step it up a notch as an offensive line.

"We have to get a lot better, improve in a lot of areas, we need to keep Ben upright and open up the lanes for DeAngelo. He is a special player."