Le’Veon Bell says he’s still in “healing process”

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Le’Veon Bell was able to practice on a limited basis yesterday, and that wasn’t much of a surprise since head coach Mike Tomlin stated that Bell would be getting more work in this week. Even though Bell was able to practice and his outlook looks increasingly optimistic, Bell is still likely a few weeks away from returning, and he basically said as much.

Aug 29, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Le’Veon Bell stated that he is still in the “healing process” and wants to take things slowly so that he doesn’t re-injure his foot, “I don’t want to rush it. … I’m still in the healing process. I’ve got to make sure I don’t reinjure it. I’m making sure I’m confident enough to go out there and make all the proper cuts, that I can completely stop when I need to with a burst and jump.”

“I’m not promising anything or saying I can do anything. I just want to help the offense.”

Lisfranc injuries are difficult to gauge, and they are serious business and could linger if a player is rushed back. That’s why the most likely scenario has the Steelers waiting until the bye week to give Bell some added rest, then bringing him back in time to play in Week 6. This has been the projected target date for Bell’s return for quite some time, and I don’t expect the Steelers to bring him back sooner despite the progress he has made. Part of that is because Bell is a rookie, and it’s never wise to rush back a rookie from an injury.

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