PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin believes Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams can be on the field at the same time.

Tomlin didn’t say “backfield,” however. And there’s a difference. A big one.

Bell’s return from a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy gives the Steelers (2-1) one of the best running back combinations in the NFL. It also allows offensive coordinator Todd Haley to get creative in figuring out how to keep both of them involved.

The proof came during practice on Wednesday, when Bell went streaking down the sideline and hauled in a rainbow from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger while remembering to keep his two feet inbounds.

“I want to be a player for all aspects of the game,” Bell said. “I want to catch short passes, downfield, whatever it may be.”

Bell hauled in 82 passes during his breakout season in 2014, obliterating the club record for receptions by a running back. At 6-foot-2 he presents a matchup problem for opposing defenses and has spent the last three years taking copious mental notes as All-Pro teammate Antonio Brown became one of the best wide receivers in the game. There are worse examples to follow. A lot worse.

“I just watch him and how to release in different situations,” Bell said. “I try to put that in my game.”

Bell grew up in Ohio idolizing Randy Moss having his uncle throw passes to him. If things had gone a different way, maybe Bell would have followed the future Hall of Famer’s path. Bell’s body made the choice for him.