Steelers News: Le’Veon Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) reacts after the game against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) reacts after the game against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Steelers are licking their wounds after a thorough beating at the hands of the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

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While the team recovers and wraps up the season that was we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Tuesday, Jan. 24th.

Couldn’t be himself

Prior to Sunday night it could be argued that no one was having a better postseason than Le’Veon Bell. Unfortunately for him, however, his offseason started earlier than expected. Bell was injured in the first quarter with a groin injury on the second play of the game, according to Teresa Varley.

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"“I got banged up, still tried to go, but it got progressively worse. I couldn’t be myself. I felt like I couldn’t burst anymore. I felt like I was holding the team back.” – Le’Veon Bell"

Bell ended with just six carries for 20 yards, setting the franchise’s record for most rushing yards in a single post season with 357. DeAngelo Williams stepped in and had 34 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown but the offense didn’t seem to recover without Bell.

Obviously they were better

Ben Roethlisberger addressed the media following the 36-17 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship and took the opportunity to point to reasons why the offense couldn’t pull it together against New England.

Ben finished with 31-of-47 for 314 yards with a touchdown and an interception. But hey, good thing he got Tom Brady’s jersey last game when he had the chance. That’s something.

Not done

James Harrison is not done. He shouldn’t be. He deserves to go out with a Lombardi trophy, covered in confetti. Gerry Dulac of the PPG reports that Harrison announced at his locker following Sunday’s beat down that he wasn’t done playing.

Next: Recapping the Steelers AFC Championship loss

Dulac noted that Harrison told the PPG a few weeks ago that he was leaning towards returning rather than retiring after the season. That’s a different tune than his tune this time last year when he was more unsure about his future.