The last few months have likely not been what Benny Snell expected or hoped for.
Snell, the Steelers’ fourth-year running back, entered training camp this season with an opportunity to hold onto the backup position to Najee Harris, in what is the final year of his rookie contract.
But, during the summer, undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren emerged as a more capable back and Snell was placed on the third string, primarily playing special teams.
The slight demotion certainly couldn’t have been easy to swallow, but Snell has tried to keep a level mind through it.
“I’m thankful to be in the position I am, have such good teammates, being able to play for the Steelers, and playing with a good offense,” Snell said Thursday. “I’m very aware of what I’m capable of, also. I know my self worth, my self value. I could never be too down, knowing what I can do.”
Snell got a chance to show his worth Monday night then, without Warren and with Harris leaving the game due to an oblique injury, Snell was thrust into the top running back position.
He ran the ball 12 times for 62 yards, including what proved to be the winning touchdown as the Steelers beat the Colts, 24-17.
“I should just stay level, stay the same, whenever the opportunity comes, or whether it doesn’t come,” Snell said of his mindset. “I feel like I have my role already on the team, special teams wise. Whatever I get offensively is just icing on the cake.”
Snell was able to take on that responsibility — and is likely still on the team — due to his exceptional play on special teams over the last four seasons. It’s an obligation he takes seriously.
“It’s important to me,” he said. “I’m very close with (special teams coordinator) Danny Smith, a very good guy. I’m able to help the team, whether it’s making a tackle, making a block on a good kick return or getting close to a rush on a punt. I’m just a natural football player. Any type of contribution I get, I’m thankful.”
Snell has also earned the trust of his teammates, including the leader of Pittsburgh’s offense.
Down 17-16 in the 4th quarter, Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett decided to give the ball to Snell on a 3rd and goal at Indianapolis’ 2-yard line. Snell bounced off the left side of the line, and sprinted into the end zone for the go-ahead score.
“I love Kenny. He knows what’s up,” Snell said with a smile. “Even when we threw the ball to (Diontae Johnson), and we didn’t get the touchdown, I’m in Kenny’s ear like, ‘Yo, Kenny, come on dog, like, give me a chance, baby. Come on, come on.’ So we told the coaches and he was able to get the call out and we did it.”
That trust and chemistry goes back to the summer, when Pickett, running with the second and third strings mostly, spent plenty of time in huddles with Snell.
It’s there that the former Kentucky running back saw Pickett’s potential, and ability to lead the offense.
“Anytime I’m in there with Kenny, I’m just willing to go all out for him,” Snell said. “In training camp, it was really fun with him. He actually has a genuine energy after he makes a play, or even when he’s calling a play. I maybe get a first down, and Kenny is hyping me up, and I’m hyping the offensive line up. And we’re all feeding off energy.”
Snell could potentially see more touches this week, when the Steelers travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Harris missed practice time leading up to the game with an oblique injury — though he did indicate that he’ll be ready to play. Warren has returned, and has said to be 100 percent, but hamstring injuries can be a delicate thing.
So Snell knows he needs to be prepared, just in case. But that’s nothing new.
“I’m just ready, man,” he said. “I don’t really know how to explain it. I’m locked in. I love the game. I love football. I love being able to help the offense. I’m glad that I was able to do so.”