It does not get much uglier than the injury that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell suffered on Sunday in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. Vontaze Burfict (who has a reputation for dirty plays) brought Bell down along the sideline at an awkward angle, causing Bell’s right leg to buckle underneath him. The play tore Bell’s MCL joint, which usually takes between six and nine months to heal.
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What makes it worse is that this is the second right knee injury for Bell. A different problem kept him out of last year’s playoff game against Baltimore. As you can imagine, both Bell and some of his teammates are not happy.
Steelers linebacker Vince Williams called out Burfict on Twitter and threatened him:
Steelers player threatens Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict on Twitter for injuring Le'Veon Bell: https://t.co/xS3DpZ3vwp pic.twitter.com/ZTwRfPZa48
— Complex (@Complex) November 4, 2015
Williams has since deleted the tweet but I’m willing to bet that Burfict and the Bengals will remember.
Back to Bell. On Monday the team placed him on the injured/reserve list. There is some good news, though. According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Bell’s ACL was not damaged during the incident. As far as surgery goes, no decision has been made as of yet, per Dave Bryan at Steelers Depot.
Unless Bell has a setback during his recovery, he should be ready for training camp in 2016 and not miss the season opener. Even still, Bell is understandably frustrated.
Yesterday afternoon Bell took to Twitter to take a shot at his critics and promise to come back stronger:
this will be the biggest challenge I have ever faced in my entire life...but being great doesn't come easy, and I'm ready to show greatness!
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 3, 2015
for everyone who wanted to see me down, congratulations..u got your wish! but just understand in less than a year from now, I'll be stronger
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 3, 2015
I’m not sure who he’s referring to when he references those who “wanted to see me down” but let’s go ahead and assume that he’s talking about sports fans on Twitter, particularly nasty creatures that they are.
Next: Steelers: Pittsburgh looking forward
When healthy Le’Veon Bell is arguably the NFL’s most talented running back.
Through six games this season Bell was averaging a career high 4.9 yards per carry. Hopefully when he returns Bell will be just as dangerous and entertaining as ever.
For now, DeAngelo Williams has taken his place in the backfield. Smart signing.