NFL
Le’Veon Bell Will Not Play In Week One
In another turn in the bizarre saga of Le’Veon Bell’s holdout, it was reported Wednesday that Bell has still not returned to Pittsburgh. The deadline for Bell to return and remain eligible to start Week One was 4:00 PM.
Barring unforeseen developments, the deadline was Bell’s last chance to make himself available for the start of the season. The Steelers were hoping that Bell would report sometime before Wednesday so he could be ready for Sunday’s game. Bell was set to play under the franchise tag this year, becoming a free agent at the end of the season. The franchise tag will earn Bell $14.5 million if he ends up signing it.
Bell could hold out until November, if needed. However, most believe he will eventually report to practice as long as the Steelers don’t pull the tag.
What Does This Mean For The Steelers?
Without one of their best players for Week One, the Steelers offense needs a replacement to take Bell’s place. Their best bet to fill this void is second-year RB James Conner. Conner had an average rookie season last year, seeing limited touches. This is understandable, though, given Bell’s massive workload in 2017. Conner was widely praised by teammates during the offseason and also looked to have slimmed down over the summer.
Other options behind Conner include rookie utility halfback Jaylen Samuels and veteran Stevan Ridley. With limited outside alternatives, the Steelers will likely give Conner a workhorse role or look for outside help at the position. Among their potential options are veteran Jamaal Charles and former Giants back Orleans Darkwa.
Le’Veon Bell Player Profile
Bell was a two-star recruit coming out of high school, opting to join Michigan State. As a freshman, Bell carried the ball 107 times for 605 yards and eight touchdowns with an additional eleven receptions. During his sophomore year, Bell was slightly more productive with 948 yards on 182 carries. He managed 13 touchdowns as well and became a more productive receiver with 35 catches for 267 yards. However, Bell had his best season as a junior. Bell had a staggering 382 carries for 1,793 yards and twelve touchdowns. He was less productive as a receiver, yet still managed 32 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Le’Veon Bell was chosen in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a rookie, Bell posted 860 yards and eight touchdowns. In his second season, Bell was at his best with 2,215 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. Bell was then hit with a serious of suspensions and injuries that held him out of games throughout 2015 and 2016. Bell did bounce back in 2017, recording 1,900+ all-purpose yards on 406 touches.
Le’Veon Bell will look to have another productive year in 2018 – if he plays – and seems destined for a new team come this time next year.
Photo Credit: Brook Ward via Flickr
Follow Ben Glassmire on Twitter: @brglass10
