After the second-and-goal pass to Diontae Johnson fell short, Benny Snell went back to the huddle Monday against the Colts and had one thing to say to Kenny Pickett.
"Give me a chance, baby."
Monday was the first time all season Snell got totes at running back, and he only got that opportunity because Jaylen Warren was out with a hamstring injury and Najee Harris was unavailable in the second half in the fourth quarter with an oblique injury. Despite not getting those handoffs all year, Pickett did call on Snell on third-and-goal in the fourth quarter, and Snell bounced the shotgun handoff off the left side for what would be the game-winning touchdown.
After a season of waiting, Snell made the most out of his chance. And even without their top two running backs for most of the game, the Steelers' picked up 172 yards on the ground, with Snell leading the way with 62 yards on a dozen carries.
“As a general trend, we’re running the ball better," Matt Canada said. "We’re doing things better that are opening up some other options in the passing game. We’re trending, but we’ve got a long, long way to go.”
"I'm just ready, man," Snell said. "I don't know how to explain it. It's just a feeling you can't really explain. I'm locked in, I love the game, I want the ball and I love being able to help the offense. I'm glad I was able to do something."
Now in his fourth year, Snell has been more of a special teamer the last two seasons after not staking his claim as the backup running back behind Harris or James Connor. His play there kept him on the roster in case such an opportunity like Monday would present itself.
"I'm just a natural football player," Snell said. "Any type of contribution I get, I'm thankful. I'm very thankful for everything."
The question now becomes will he get another opportunity like that.
Harris did not practice for the second day in a row Thursday because of his oblique injury, and his status for Sunday against the Falcons is not yet known. Snell himself was limited Thursday because of a knee injury, but assuming he is available, the Steelers running game Sunday could center around him and Warren, who would be making his first career start.
Warren said Wednesday that doctors cleared him to play Sunday.
If Harris is out or limited, it should create another opportunity for Snell to prove himself and justify his confidence in his abilities.
"I'm thankful to be in the position I am, to have such good teammates," Snell said. "Being able to play for the Steelers and be with a good offense. I'm very aware of what I'm capable of also. I know my self-worth, my self-value. I never could be too down knowing what I can do."
