Bell back with Steelers
PITTSBURGH – There was more than a little irony in the fact Le’Veon Bell’s first practice with the Steelers for the 2017 season came on Labor Day. While many around the country had the day off from work, for Bell, it was a back-to-work day.
Despite skipping all of the team’s offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games, Le’Veon Bell put in his usual work day after signing his franchise contract tender Monday morning, running with the first-team offense as the Steelers began their preparations to play at 1 p.m. against Cleveland Sunday.
Bell, who is now guaranteed to make $12.12 million this season, admitted to being winded at times, but said he’ll be ready for whatever the Steelers ask of him against the Browns.
Bell is in shape, but is he in football shape?
“That is everyone’s concern but I think the biggest thing for me is not being concerned about it,” the 25-year-old, All-Pro running back said. “I feel like I did a lot of training. I feel like when I went to practice, they gave me my normal reps, like I’ve been doing in practice last year, the year before that and all of the years I’ve been here. I felt good. So, obviously, Wednesday when we put on shoulder pads it might be a little different so that might be a little adjustment I’d have to make. But obviously, I am excited about this year and I am ready to move forward.”
Bell led the AFC in yards from scrimmage in 2016, posting 1,884 yards, including 1,268 on the ground in 12 games. His 157 yards per game was the third-highest total in NFL history.
Pittsburgh placed the franchise tag on him before free agency began but were unable to come to terms on a long-term deal before the mid-July, NFL-mandated deadline.
Bell was reportedly asking for $15 million per season, and the Steelers offered a deal worth $60 million over five seasons.
“Obviously, football is more than just a sport,” Bell said. “There is business behind it so there’s no hard feelings. I came in here, everybody is happy and I am ready to get back to the season and win the Super Bowl.”
The Steelers feel like they have a much better chance of that happening with Bell on the field, and after making a flurry of moves last week, including signing former two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, they’re ready to move forward.
Also acquired were tight end Vance McDonald and safety J.J. Wilcox in trades made by the team last week.
“Never in my eight years have I seen them do this,” admitted Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. “It was a shocker to us, especially the guys who have been here.
“Maybe sometimes changes are a little bit different and that’s a good thing.”
What wasn’t a shock to his teammates was that Bell, who reported to the team Sept. 1 and passed a physical before signing his tender offer Monday, looked ready to go.
“You know what type of player he is, how electrifying he is and what he brings to the passing game and running game,” Pouncey said. “It’s exciting to have him here. We’re happy to have him here and he looked great today.”
Playing in a game after substantial layoffs won’t be anything new to Bell.
He was suspended for two games to start the 2015 season and three to start last season for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. On both occasions, he returned with a big game despite not being permitted to be with the team during the time he was suspended.
In 2015, he rushed for 62 yards and one touchdown and caught seven passes for 70 yards, touching the ball 26 times in a win at St. Louis. In 2016, he gained 144 yards rushing on 18 carries and had 34 yards on five receptions in a 43-14 win over Kansas City.
But he’s also coming off a surgery to repair a torn groin that knocked him out of last season’s AFC Championship game in the first quarter.
Staying healthy – Bell has missed 16 regular season games in four seasons because of injuries and suspensions – was one of the reasons why he didn’t report to the Steelers and sign his franchise tender earlier.
“I understand I am under a one-year deal. I have to prepare and go out there and play football,” said Bell, who added he isn’t worried about his long-term future. “I did not want to get hurt in camp. My rookie year I remember getting hurt in camp and things like that so I did not want to deal with it. I want to go out here and get ready for game one, games that count.”
The Steelers have a two-week period to activate Bell to their 53-man roster but would need release a player Saturday if he is going to be added to their roster before the game at Cleveland. … The Steelers placed rookie cornerback Cameron Sutton on injured reserve and released safety Jordan Dangerfield to make room for Wilcox, acquired in a trade Sunday with Tampa Bay. The team also re-signed linebacker Steven Johnson. … Wilcox will wear No. 27, while Haden is currently wearing No. 2 in practice. Safety Mike Mitchell wears No. 23, which Haden had in Cleveland.