Le’Veon Bell expects Bengals defenders to try to knock him out of game

The last two times Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has faced the Cincinnati Bengals, he’s been injured, most notably thanks to Vontaze Burfict’s season-ending hit last year.

He’s determined to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, though he expects them to try.

“I’m pretty sure they are going to do whatever they got to try to get me off the field. It is what it is. I understand that,” Bell said, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “The last two times I’ve played them, it’s been that way. I’m obviously not going to let it happen a third time. I’m going to be prepared for everything. Got to, because with my mindset I have to be smart about it.”

Burfict in particular is a player Bell has a long history with, but he’s not thinking about attempts to injure.

“I’m pretty sure [Burfict’s] going to do whatever he has to do — I’m going to go out there and play football,” Bell said. “That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go out there and try to beat those guys with my football play. I’m not necessarily worried about trying to be dirty or doing anything to try to hurt those guys.”

This isn’t the first time Bell has made such accusations, and for the last few years, this rivalry has been one of the most heated in the NFL. We’ll see if any of the edge is taken off with Cincinnati likely out of the playoff picture.