Devices and systems for cutting element assemblies

A drill bit, comprising:

• a bit body;
• a plurality of blades;
• a single, integral cutter support connected to a given blade of the plurality of blades;
• and
• a plurality of cutting elements separate and distinct from the single, integral cutter support, wherein the plurality of cutting elements are spaced apart from one another and rigidly secured to the single, integral cutter support, and wherein the plurality of cutting elements have exposed surfaces disposed opposite the single, integral cutter support, and wherein the single, integral cutter support has an open groove integrally formed as part of the single, integral cutter support without any physical structure disposed in the open groove, wherein the open groove is disposed between the plurality of cutting elements and the given blade of the plurality of blades, and wherein the open groove is configured to extend through the single, integral cutter support offset from the plurality of cutting elements and permit the single, integral cutter support to compress in response to a force applied to the single, integral cutter support through one or more of the plurality of cutting elements and couple together the plurality of cutting elements during a drilling operation.