The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to rely on Fitzgerald Toussaint in the running game against the Bengals on Saturday.
On Friday, running back DeAngelo Williams was officially ruled out for the Steelers AFC Wild Card game with a foot injury. Now the Steelers will look to backs Toussaint and Jordan Todman against a tough Bengals defense.
However, Williams won’t be completely out of the picture on Saturday. Williams is a veteran and has been in playoff games before with his old team, the Carolina Panthers. Even better is that Williams now has experience in running the ball against the Bengals. Williams will serve as a second coach to the young running backs. A veteran presence is better than no presence at all.
The Steelers aren’t losing all hope on their young running backs, especially Toussaint who will be getting the start. But it was Toussaint that stepped up after Williams went down in the second quarter last weekend against the Cleveland Browns. Although the Steelers went to the passing game more after Williams’ injury, Toussaint still did his job, even earning a few key first downs. Head coach Mike Tomlin had nothing but good things to say about the second-year running back.
“(Toussaint) is a diligent worker,” said Tomlin to Steelers.com. “He brings a business-like approach. I think he’s one of those guys that everybody is excited about seeing play. They are excited about seeing him get an opportunity, because he’s a guy that doesn’t say much. He’s extremely low maintenance. He really works hard to put himself in position to be a positive asset or contributor to us when given the opportunity.”
Toussaint is ready to step up to the task. The running back, who has appeared in five games this year, told the Steelers’ website that he will have to be ready to take on the task.
“I go out there every day and put it all on the line,” said Toussaint.“I feel like every moment is a big opportunity for me to go out there and show what I have. That is what I plan to do.”
That’s also what the Steelers hope he plans to do on Saturday against the Bengals. The game is slated to begin at 8:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CBS.
Photo credit: ESPN
