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PITTSBURGH (April 21, 2003 8:54 p.m. EDT) - Jerome Bettis and Mark Bruener might learn as early as Saturday if they have a future with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They won't need a phone call from a coach, either - the NFL draft could tell them.
Bettis is the Steelers' most productive running back not named Franco Harris; Bruener is one of the NFL's best-blocking tight ends. But injuries, age and the Steelers' shifting emphasis from run to pass could make both players expendable, perhaps before training camp begins.
Coach Bill Cowher said Monday the Steelers haven't decided if either player still fits into their plans and the draft could be the determining factor.
Bettis' run of six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons ended when a knee injury limited him to 666 yards last season. He didn't play an important role in the playoffs for a second straight season....more
Bettis is the Steelers' most productive running back not named Franco Harris; Bruener is one of the NFL's best-blocking tight ends. But injuries, age and the Steelers' shifting emphasis from run to pass could make both players expendable, perhaps before training camp begins.
Coach Bill Cowher said Monday the Steelers haven't decided if either player still fits into their plans and the draft could be the determining factor.
Bettis' run of six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons ended when a knee injury limited him to 666 yards last season. He didn't play an important role in the playoffs for a second straight season....more
