The Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell hasn’t resumed practicing, even in individual drills. Bell was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft and has yet to play in his rookie season. That has Bob Labriola, editor of Steelers Digest, speculating that he’ll be out till the bye week (Week 5).
@ross_doherty24 Since he hasn't even begun to practice yet, even individual drills, I assume he's out. My guess is he's back after the bye
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) September 10, 2013
The Steelers have been downplaying the severity of Bell’s foot injury. Early last week Tomlin told reporters that practice time, or lack thereof, was holding Bell back and not necessarily the injury.
In the season opener the Steelers lost to the Tennessee Titans and struggled to run the ball. They had a total 32 yards rushing. LaRod Stephens-Howling led the way with 6 carries for 19 yards. Isaac Redman carried the ball 8 times for 9 yards and wide receiver Antonio Brown carried the ball one time for 4 yards.
The Steelers could use Bell back as soon as possible. Last week Tomlin said the rookie could be a partial participant in practice, but that contradicts Labriola’s report today.
Le'Veon Bell has been ruled out but Tomlin said the rookie RB could be a partial participant in practice this week.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) September 3, 2013