Steelers Player Spotlight: Le’Veon Bell

With running back Le’Veon Bell returning from suspension, the Pittsburgh Steelers add a whole new dynamic to their offense.

Finally.

After three weeks of suspension, Le’Veon Bell is finally back. Now, don’t get me wrong. DeAngelo Williams did more than any Steeler fan could ask for. Through the first two weeks, he led the league in rushing and proved to be the most valuable backup in the league, by far.

Still, there is no weapon like Le’Veon Bell. When he isn’t suspended or injured, Bell is one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. He is one of the best running backs in the league, with a combination of power, speed, and elusiveness unseen in most backs in the league.

What separates him from any other running back in the game is his ability to be a receiver. In 2014, Bell was 2nd in the league with 1,361 rushing yards but also added to that 83 receptions for 854 yards. That ranked 2nd on the team behind just Antonio Brown, and was nearly 20 more receptions than the next man, which was Heath Miller.

One disconcerting thing about Le’Veon Bell is that after this year, his contract expires. For most players of his caliber, a team wouldn’t hesitate to re-sign him, but unfortunately, the Steelers and Le’Veon Bell might not be on the best of terms right now.

Between injuries, and even worse, suspensions, Le’Veon Bell has missed a lot of football over the past couple of years. The Steelers might not be willing to pay him big bucks or make a long-term investment in a player who they can’t trust to consistently be there for the team.

Additionally, teams elsewhere might see the potential, and be willing to pay Le’Veon Bell the money players of his skill level receive. With DeAngelo Williams inching toward retirement, it’ll be interesting to see where the Steelers go from here.

Next: Bell returns to face stout Chiefs defense

What we know now is that Le’Veon Bell is back, and he seems ready to roll. The coaching staff has only said good things about his hard work over the course of his suspension and the confidence he boasts gives every indication that we’ll see nothing but the Le’Veon Bell we’ve been used to seeing for years. In a contract year, it’s extra important that he performs.

Hopefully he will return to form and continue to be one of the best backs in the league, and hopefully following this season, he will somehow manage to remain in Pittsburgh.