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The trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell led the way for the Steelers on offense last year, but things are looking a bit different already for 2015. Bell is going to be suspended for the first two games this season, and Pittsburgh's defense is widely regarded as subpar. Roethlisberger has already stated that he wants to lead the Steelers to 30 points a game this season. That would be quite the feat for the Steelers, but for that to happen Roethlisberger has to stay healthy - but what if he falls to injury? No one ever likes to think that the star quarterback might get hurt, but you have to wonder about what would happen if he does. So we ask the hypothetical question here: What would happen if Roethlisberger were to get hurt and go down with a major injury, sidelining himself for the rest of the season?
BUY
LeVeon Bell, RB – If any one player in Pittsburgh would see a boost in value, it is the feature tailback LeVeon Bell. Pittsburgh would rely on Bell's production even more without Ben Roethlisberger to lead the passing game, so Bell would be asked to do even more in the backfield for the Steelers.
HOLD
Antonio Brown, WR – Antonio Brown is virtually unstoppable, as he showed everyone in the NFL last season. Even without his star quarterback, Brown will get more than his fair share of catches, yards and touchdowns even if Bruce Gradkowski would be his full time quarterback. Pittsburgh is smart enough to know to call plays that get the ball in the hands of Brown.
Markus Wheaton, WR – Even without Ben Roethlisberger, backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is a solid veteran option that will get the ball in the hands of his receivers. His status as the likely WR2 for Pittsburgh would remain as Gradkowski's arm is probably not strong enough to fully utilize Martavis Bryant's deep route running ability.
Martavis Bryant, WR – Bryant's value would diminish some with Gradkowski starting, since Ben Roethlisberger's big arm can take better advantage of Bryant's speed. adkowski is still a solid backup, so the dropoff for Bryant's numbers may not be that large.
Heath Miller, TE – Bruce Gradkowski will likely need a safety valve and a set of good hands for short catches when plays break down, and Heath Miller is one of the best veteran tight ends in the league at doing just that. Miller will be a solid TE2 with TE1 upside even without Ben Roethlisberger.
SELL
None.
ADD
Bruce Gradkowski, QB – Gradkowski would immediately step in if Roethlisberger goes down, and the good news for Pittsburgh fans is that Gradkowski is a solid backup. Gradkowski may be with his fifth NFL team, but he has started plenty of games around the league and can certainly run the Pittsburgh offense if needed. While his talent level is a few notches below Roethlisberger, most of the offense should remain in place and the stars (Bell, Brown) should still be quite productive.
DeAngelo Williams, RB – With Pittsburgh likely to lean on the ground game a little more without Roethlisberger, Williams would be needed to give LeVeon Bell more breathers in each contest. That means more chances for production for Williams, who has the ability to break off a long run at any moment. Additional touches for the former Panther may make him a RB3/flex option.
DROP
None. Pittsburgh may not be able to post 30 points a game without Roethlisberger, but the talent surrounding Gradkowski can keep this team's offense humming enough to be very productive even without their starting quarterback.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to pasquino@footballguys.com.