Steelers sign RB Stevan Ridley to fill James Conner’s spot on the roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers have filled the roster spot vacated by James Conner going on injured reserve with a former Carolina Panthers running back, just not DeAngelo Williams.

No, the team didn’t call up the former Steelers backup, but instead signed Stevan Ridley, who has spent time with the Panthers, Broncos, among others, and most recently the Vikings in 2017.

Ridley is somewhat of a journeyman running back who has played on 7 different teams throughout his NFL career, spent time with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and did win a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots.

The task now is getting Ridley up to speed with the offense, his expectations and the terminology/playbook. While some might wonder why the Steelers chose Ridley over someone like Williams, or even Knile Davis, the truth of the matter is the team hopes Ridley won’t have to play that often with Le’Veon Bell healthy and available.

With Conner out for the year, if something does happen to Bell, fans should start having flashbacks of 2014 when the team had to rely on Ben Tate when Bell was injured in Week 17 prior to their Wild Card game vs. the Ravens.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this acquisition, and other Steelers news, as the team heads into Week 16.