The Pittsburgh Steelers made the postseason with a 10-6 record despite losing multiple players to injuries last season, and should be considered one of the favorites in the AFC heading into the 2016 season.
The Steelers lost star running back Le'Veon Bell to a season-ending knee injury during the 2015 season, and will be without wide receiver Martavis Bryant for the 2016 season due to suspension. The Steelers have made some strong moves in free agency this offseason including landing pass-catching tight end Ladarius Green, and will look for their newly acquired tight end and second-year receiver Sammie Coates to step up in the absence of Bryant.
While there is no specific timetable for their star running back's return, Bell is progressing well in rehab, and is looking to stay healthy next season. Steelers franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered multiple injuries during the 2015 season and missed four games. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert is confident that Roethlisberger still has years left in his prime despite the consistent pounding he has taken over his career.
"Ben's a franchise quarterback, " said Colbert. "There are a few that have two (or more Super Bowls since 2004), but he's one of those few. We're very fortunate. We still have, you know, we think three to four more good years in his prime. We're excited to see what he can do in that time period and what we can do to help him be successful."
In 12 games last season, the Steelers franchise quarterback completed a career-high 68 percent of his passes for 3,938 yards with 21 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is likely focused on working on turnovers with Roethlisberger this offseason, as the 16 interceptions he threw last season was the most he had thrown in a single season since 2006.
The Steelers lost offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency this offseason, but did land offensive tackle Ryan Harris on a two-year contract. The Steelers know the key to their success on the offensive side of the ball will be keeping Roethlisberger upright, and while Harris was a strong addition in free agency, it wouldn't be surprising if Colbert looked to add some more pieces to their offensive line in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.
