🏈 @ProFootballTalk: Big toe fusion scared Steelers away from RB Eddie Lacy

[RTB X Bot]

@ProFootballTalk: Big toe fusion scared Steelers away from RB Eddie Lacy http://t.co/ij8SN7ly0l

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Though he seemed in many ways like a perfect fit for Pittsburgh, the Steelers passed on running back Eddie Lacy, opting instead to pick Le’Veon Bell in the second round of the 2013 draft.

So why didn’t they want Lacy?

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers were scared off not by Lacy’s hamstring injury but by an injury to his big toe that resulted in fusion surgery.

Though the injury previously had been described as “turf toe,” there had been no reports or discussion that the toe had been fused.

Regarded as the top running back in the draft, Lacy was the fourth one taken, by the Packers as the 29th pick in round two.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

Good morning,
One reason the Steelers passed on Eddie Lacy is a toe injury the Alabama halfback has had. One team source said the Steelers would not touch Lacy because his big toe had been fused.
There has been concern about injuries to Lacy’s hamstring and what has been reported as turf toe, but nothing’s been reported about a fusion. Either way, teams did stay away from Lacy – considered by many the best talent at halfback in the draft -- until Green Bay made him the fourth back drafted with the 29th pick in the second round.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Legitimate concern, but it was a chance worth taking IMO.