LaRod Stephens-Howling talks NFL future after ACL injury

Former Pitt running back LaRod Stephens-Howling looked to be in a pretty good situation when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Unfortunately, Stephens-Howling had equally bad news when he learned he tore an ACL in the preseason.

LSH recently talked to his hometown Johnstown-Trib paper about his recovery:

“I’ve been feeling great. The rehabbing is going great,” said Stephens-Howling, who played four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before signing a one-year deal with the Steelers in April. “I feel like I’m real close to being 100 percent. They’re saying definitely by February.

“My focus is to take this time and not rush it. At the same time I’m excited to be able to get back on the field, get some cleats on and run around like I’ve been doing all of my life.”

The running back really missed an opportunity last season that has to still be haunting him. The Steelers' running game was in shambles, especially earlier in the year when Le'Veon Bell was out with an injury. The chance for playing time almost certainly would have been there if he were only healthy.

Stephens-Howling is hoping to again get a chance with the Steelers but will be a free agent for 2014. It'd be nice to think he can find a home since he's a pretty versatile guy that can be used on punt and kickoff returns and in the running game. He can also catch balls out of the backfield and is a nice 3rd down back.

The ACL injury will cause some hesitation by teams, obviously, but since he's expected to be back to 100% well in advance of the season, it's reasonable to think that he should get a shot with somebody.

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