Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is now facing a four-game suspension for missing several drug tests. Bell’s case is still under review, but usually, when you miss a test, that’s on you. So we should not look forward to seeing Bell on the field for the first four games of the season.
Of course, this isn’t the kind of the news that the Steelers or Bell wanted to hear. The Steelers want their star RB back after not having him for 10 games last year. And Bell is in a contract year so this reduces his chances of putting up the numbers to get a big contract.
Both Bell and the Steelers are now awaiting the results of an appeal that should come down before opening day. The hope is that whatever explanation he may have for missing multiple tests will fly but it likely won’t as the NFL’s policies are so strict, there won’t be much wiggle room.
But this does nothing to ruin a season that I believe will at least result in the Steelers going to the AFC Championship game. If you remember last year, the Steelers went 7-3 in the 10 games Bell missed. DeAngelo Williams, the team’s backup running back, looked very good last year.
So there’s not reason to believe that has gotten too old and lost it at aged 33. In his 10 starts, he rushed for 907 and 11 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry and 40 catches for 367 yards. The offense didn’t miss a beat as Williams gave the Steelers the same thing Bell would have.
What stopped the Steelers from reaching the Super Bowl was the defensive secondary. But that was addressed very well in the draft so the Steelers are ready to roll. Let’s not forget about that young front-seven that will get even better in 2016.
Bell missing the four games this season will not hurt the Steelers!