Running back LeGarrette Blount, unhappy with his role as a backup in Pittsburgh, was released by the Steelers on Tuesday.
Blount signed a two-year, $3.85 million contract with the Steelers as a free agent on March 28 and played in all 11 games this season. He rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries and had six receptions for 36 yards.
Blount might have sealed his fate when he left the field before the end of the Steelers’ 27-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. He appeared only briefly in the game and had no carries for the first time this season.
“We believe the decision to release LeGarrette is in the best interest of the organization and wish him the best of luck,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers relied on second-year running back Le’Veon Bell against the Titans and rushed for a career-high 204 yards and one touchdown on 33 carries.
Blount is the Steelers’ second leading rusher this season. His best game was121 yards on the ground against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 21.
Bell and Blount were arrested in August for misdemeanor marijuana possession, but neither player missed any playing time during the regular season.
LeGarrette Blount was released by the Steelers. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)
The only running back remaining on the roster besides Bell is rookie Dri Archer, who has rushed for 41 yards on eight carries this season.
