The Pittsburgh Steelers are still patiently awaiting the arrival of Le’Veon Bell, and team owner Art Rooney II says there has been no word from the star running back on when he plans to end his lengthy holdout. It seems to be only a matter of time, however, before Bell suits up for the Steelers in 2018.
While there has been plenty of talk about Bell being traded, Rooney told Ian Rapoport of NFL Media this week that he does not expect a deal involving Bell prior to the Oct. 30 trade deadline.
“I expect him to be a member of the team going forward,” Rooney said. “That’s my expectation.”
There had been reports that Bell will return at some time during the bye week, which ends on Sunday for the Steelers. Now, the assumption has been that Bell will show up on Monday with the intent to play in Week 8. However, Rapoport notes that some believe he could try to pressure the Steelers into trading him by not showing up prior to the trade deadline.
Rooney said he believes the Steelers have handled the Bell distraction well, and he complimented running back James Conner for his performance during Bell’s lengthy absence. He also emphatically shot down the idea that Pittsburgh might add more money to Bell’s franchise number to entice him to return.
Based on everything we have heard about his whereabouts, it sounds like Bell truly has kept the Steelers in the dark about his intentions. He has to report by Week 10 if he wants to avoid having his contract toll, so we should have an answer soon enough.
