The Pittsburgh Steelers brought running back Ben Tate into Pittsburgh Monday night with intentions of signing him today, if Tate’s physical checks out and Steelers coaches deem him to be in good enough football shape to play this weekend vs Baltimore.
Steelers running backs coach James Saxon was scheduled to put Tate through a morning workout, followed by a meeting this morning with Mike Tomlin and other prominent members of the organization.
Tate was released by the Cleveland Browns this season due to attitude problems over a lack of playing time, after being signed and projecting as their No. 1 running back. Tate rushed for just 333 yards on 106 carries in eight games with Cleveland, but it was his poor attitude that led to his release. He was later released by the Minnesota Vikings after just three games in a limited unproductive role.
Tate rushed for 124 yards against the Titans in week 2 but it’s Tate’s ability to catch out of the back field that could give the Steelers a needed element with Le’Veon Bell likely out and the Steelers unable to trust Dri Archer.
News on whether the Steelers decide to sign Tate or not is expected to be known by Mike Tomlin’s 12:00 p.m. press conference.