One step forward, one step back. That seems to be the story for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, especially with injuries.
Ben Roethlisberger made his first start in a month this afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Pittsburgh may have just lost their best offensive weapon for the rest of the season.
Running back Le’Veon Bell was playing a solid game, rushing for 45 yards on ten carries. He passed another franchise record by becoming the running back with the fifth most team catches all time. Then in the middle of the second quarter, disaster struck and Bell suffered what looked like a very nasty right leg injury.
Here’s the clip of the play: viewer discretion is definitely advised:
Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell's knee injury:https://t.co/xEoLyHW8qB
— SportsBlogNewYork (@SportBlogNYC) November 1, 2015
Bell was not able to get up on his own and had to be taken over to the sidelines, where he received treatment from the Steelers staff while laying on his back.
According to the official team account, Bell is doubtful to return to the game:
#26 Le'Veon Bell is doubtful to return (right knee).
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 1, 2015
Later, it was reported by NFL.com that Bell was carted off to the locker room:
There is no word as of yet on the severity of Bell’s injury.
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Overstating how important this game is for the Steelers is really not possible.
At the moment Pittsburgh leads 7-6 late in the first half, but if Cincinnati goes on to win they will have a four game lead in the division plus the tie-breaker, which even at this point in the season is likely too great of a deficit to come back from. Pittsburgh would need to focus on securing one of two wild card spots.
However, if Le’Veon Bell misses extended time (or the rest of the season) the chances of that happening are not good. Since his return to the field Week 3 Bell ranks second in the league in total rushing yards.
As soon as there is an udpate on Bell’s condition and prognosis we will post an update. For now, DeAngelo Williams has stepped in at RB1.