Benny Snell says the media in Pittsburgh isn't as cool as it was at Kentucky

© Philip G. Pavely | USATSI

On Thursday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said former Kentucky running back Benny Snell will return to practice this week after missing three games due to a knee injury.

And depending on how well his knee responds will determine just how much he sees the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

“We’ll be focused on his ability to execute and execute in great detail,” Tomlin said. “He’s got a two-pronged thing he’s got to answer. Not only health, but game readiness from a detail and knowledge standpoint. That’s a reasonable process for a young guy.”

Following his return, the former Wildcat didn’t take long to make some headlines.

After taking his third-person speech to the national stage, referring to his play as “Benny Snell Football” almost immediately upon arrival in Pittsburgh, the Steelers rookie has cut down on that kind of talk during media opportunities.

Why? Because the Pittsburgh media isn’t as cool as the media members he dealt with at Kentucky.

“You haven’t mentioned ‘Benny Snell Football’ in a while,” a reporter said to Snell. “We were getting kind of used to that in the spring.”

“Yeah, I know,” Snell responded. “See, I’m not really used to y’all. That’s the thing. If I was used to you all, you’d get it more, but I feel like y’all play games with players.”

“Is there a problem?” the reporter asked.

“Let’s just say that the Kentucky media, like, was cooler than y’all,” Snell said. “You know what I’m saying, right?”

Benny Snell has scaled back on using “Benny Snell Football” when speaking about himself. Apparently he’s not thrilled with how it was received by Pittsburgh media. #Steelers @937theFan pic.twitter.com/ao84d4DZAz

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) November 21, 2019

Last week, Steelers starting running back James Conner re-aggravated a shoulder injury he sustained several weeks ago, with the latest reports indicating he is unlikely to play on Sunday. With Conner likely out, Snell will likely get his opportunity to shine in front of a local crowd at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals are winless and currently rank last in the NFL in total run defense, allowing 167 rushing yards per game.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Be there, BBN.