Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said following the Saturday night loss to the New York Giants in the 2013 preseason opener that he chose to hold rookie running back Le\’Veon Bell out of the game because he didn\’t think it would be fair for him to start his career in less than ideal circumstances from a health standpoint because of a sore knee. Tomlin did indicate, however, that Bell should be back on the practice field Monday with the goal being for him playing in the second preseason game against the Washington Redskins.
According to Teresa Varley of steelers.com, Bell said Monday that he indeed plans on practicing later in the day and that he looks forward to making his Steelers debut one week from today.
“I will be practicing today,” said Bell. “It’s just a little sore. I am fine, though.”
With Bell on the sidelines, Isaac Redman got the start at running back and had 7 yards on two carries. He was followed by LaRod Stephens-Howling, who showed impressive vision and cut back ability on his way to registering 40 yards on seven carries. Running backs Jonathan Dwyer, Baron Batch and Alvester Alexander received the rest of the work and the three combined to gain just 28 yards on 15 carries.
Bell will likely see first and second team reps against the Redskins as that was scheduled to be the plan against the Giants.
