The Sports Xchange

PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took control of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense this spring like never before.

Although long their alpha, Roethlisberger seems to be doing more teaching this spring.

“That comes with being him,” coach Mike Tomlin said of the 34-year-old quarterback. “I think it has evolved in the nine years I’ve been with him, and it should.

“It’s a natural maturation process, not only in terms of him understanding what he’s doing but also understanding the overall scheme and approach that we are taking offensively.”

Roethlisberger had the best season of his career in 2014, when his 4,952 yards tied for the NFL lead. This will be his 12th season, fourth with coordinator Todd Haley.

“We have some continuity in that area now,” Tomlin said. “Coach Haley has been here a number of years, so that’s something we should expect.”

–Running back Le’Veon Bell, who is appealing his three-game NFL suspension, said his appeal has not yet been heard and he does not know when it will be.

–The Steelers signed center/guard Collin Rahrig and placed offensive tackle Micah Hatchie on the waived/injured list.

–Tyler Murphy (Boston College) and Devin Gardner (Michigan) had their positions changed from wider receiver to quarterback/wide receiver on the Steelers roster. Both have worked out at each position this spring.

–The Steelers will wear their 1934 “bumblebee” throwback uniforms Nov. 1 against Cincinnati at Heinz Field.