Le’Veon Bell out tonight for Pittsburgh Steelers
By Jason Marcum
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan State Le’Veon Bell in the second round four months ago, and it was believed he was the favorite to be the team’s starting running back this season. Entering tonight’s preseason opener vs. the New York Giants, it was expected this would be the first chance for him to reinforce that belief. It appears as though that will not be the case:
Tomlin said it is a sore knee and he didn't see enough of Bell in practice past two days to allow him to play.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 10, 2013
Tomlin said he will evaluate Bell throughout the rest of the preseason
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 10, 2013
A solid training camp has put Bell in position to beat out Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer for the starting running back job. He can win the spot with strong performances in the next couple of preseason games.
Bell, though, is clearly the most talented running back the Steelers have. The real drama at running back is who will be backing up Bell. The Steelers might not keep both Redman and Dwyer, so maybe the Steelers are keeping Bell out tonight to get a better look at those two.
LaRod Stephens-Howling and Baron Batch are also battling for spots on the roster.