Pittsburgh Steelers: Le’Veon Bell may push holdout past trade deadline

Le’Veon Bell isn’t coming this week, and maybe not next. With the Pittsburgh Steelers considering trade talks, the running back may choose to sit out until Week 9.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported that the Steelers’ running back would return to the team during the bye week. Then, he’d have a full week to get in game shape and then a week to prepare for the Cleveland Browns.

But as days passed, Bell didn’t show. Some believed Bell would return by Sunday. Others believed it could be early next week, but now, the reports have shifted in a whole new direction.

Pittsburgh made it known that they would consider trading Le’Veon Bell if the right trade made itself known. They were looking for a “good player” and a second-round pick in exchange for the back.

So far, nothing serious has amounted of the news, but that would likely change after Bell returned. After hearing of the rumors, reports have risen that Bell may now be waiting until after the trade deadline to assure that he remains with the Steelers for the rest of the season.

Adam Schefter reported that sources are saying Bell does not want to be traded, and therefore will not return until after Week 8. This puts a hole in Pittsburgh’s negotiations, but may mean Bell is looking to remain with the team long-term.

No one is aware of what Bell’s role will be once he returns. Paying him the amount of money they are, the Steelers are likely to use him. James Conner’s emergence has made it difficult to remove him from the starting lineup, though.

It’s going to remain pretty quiet from Bell’s party over the next two weeks. That won’t mean reports won’t come out, but don’t expect much word from Bell until he’s actually in a Steelers facility.