RB a no-show at Steelers minicamp
Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was a no-show for the opening of Pittsburgh’s minicamp Tuesday.
Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell has not played a full season for the Steelers because of injury or suspension since being drafted in 2013.
PITTSBURGH – Much like the way they finished the AFC Championship game in New England, the Steelers opened mandatory minicamp Tuesday – without Le’Veon Bell.
The All-Pro running back was a no-show on the first day for all players under contract to be at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
There is one caveat to that. Bell is technically not under contract and therefore not permitted per league rules to attend.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell in February but he has not signed the offer sheet, which guarantees $12.12 million for the 2017 season.
“I wish he would be here, just because he is one of the pieces of our puzzle,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said three weeks ago. “I know that he can’t participate because I don’t think he’s 100 percent healthy. But it would be nice to see him here, just in terms of the chemistry, learning and just being a part of this process. But obviously it is up to him.”
Bell is recovering from an offseason groin surgery to repair an injury that knocked him out in the first quarter of the AFC Championship loss at New England.
Bell skipped all non-mandatory OTA sessions in the previous three weeks, though he did check in with the team’s medical staff two weeks ago.
“I’m not worrying about it; I’m really not,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley Tuesday. “I know when I see him, I’ll feel pretty good about him.”
No player has averaged more yards from scrimmage in his first four seasons than the Bell’s 128.7. And he was even better than that last season, when he averaged 157 yards per game.
The Steelers have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Bell. If they are unable to come to terms, he can become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. Or Pittsburgh could again place the franchise tag on Bell at a salary of more than $14 million.
He would then become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018 season.
The Steelers would like to sign him to a long-term extension that would lower his salary cap hit for 2017, keeping a player widely considered the best player at his position in the league. Negotiations are ongoing.
But there are several issues which make the negotiations difficult.
First, Bell’s franchise number is $4 million more than the next closest running back – LeSean McCoy – will earn this season. Any long-term deal will keep Bell as the league’s top-paid running back.
But the position is one that has a short shelf life, though at 25, Bell is presumably in his prime.
Durability also is an issue.
Bell has yet to play a full season, coming close only in 2015, when he appeared in all 16 regular season games before being injured in the regular season finale and missing the playoffs.
“He’s a guy, his injuries have been kind of odd-ball type things,” said Haley. “Even the (groin) was an odd-ball type of thing.”
Finally, Bell has twice been suspended for running afoul of the league’s substance abuse policy.
But the Steelers aren’t concerned with Bell not showing up for training camp in five weeks at Saint Vincent College.
“I know Le’Veon’s ability,” said Haley. “He’s missed because of injury but when he’s come back, he’s come in ready to go. That’s the way he’ll be.”
The Steelers signed third-round draft pick Cameron Sutton to a four-year contract Tuesday, leaving only first-round pick T.J. Watt unsigned. … The Steelers were forced indoors midway through their afternoon practice Tuesday because of a thunderstorm. … The Steelers will practice today and Thursday before taking a break until the opening of training camp.