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Roethlisberger, Steelers in shape for another title

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Keith Srakocic

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Keith Srakocic

Associated Press

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is greeted by young fans as he takes to the practice field in Latrobe. Smith-Schuster has agreed to a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

A new offseason workout plan has rejuvenated Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The 36-year-old indicated he’s in the best shape of his career Thursday following the team’s first training camp practice at Saint Vincent College.

A leaner, trimmer Roethlisberger hopes the additional offseason work can play a part in helping the Steelers to another championship.

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“Anything you can do to lighten the load on your knees and ankles, I think is important,” said Roethlisberger, who worked with a personal trainer and nutritionist to cut sugar and carbohydrates from his diet to get him ready for his 15th season.

“The knees, the ankles, being lighter … those are all positives when it comes to this age, playing football and a sport where you’re pounding on your knees and you’ve had a couple knee surgeries.”

It could be his last chance to win a championship with two-time All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell.

Bell is away from the team after he and the Steelers failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension, meaning he will play under the $14.5 million franchise tag for the second straight year.

Bell skipped training camp last year and signed his franchise tender less than a week before the start of the season. He is expected to follow the same plan and then play what could be his final season in Pittsburgh.

Until then, former Pitt star running back James Conner, rookie fifth-round pick Jaylen Samuels and veterans Stevan Ridley and Fitzgerald Toussaint will carry the load.

Roethlisberger, whose contract expires in the spring of 2020, is excited about the offensive line in front of him and the Steelers’ skill players at running back and wide receiver, led by Bell and four-time All-Pro Antonio Brown, who missed several days of practice early in training camp with an undisclosed injury.

“I really like where this team is at,” Roethlisberger said.

Keith Srakocic

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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