Steelers’ Bell cleared for running activities
When Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said last week there was no timetable for the return of star running back Le’Veon Bell, it left some wondering if Bell would be ready for the regular season.
Bell took a big step Tuesday when he tweeted he was cleared to run and included a video of himself doing so on a treadmill.
“clear to run now…March 1st a big day!” Bell tweeted.
That should bring a collective sigh of relief from the fanbase as the All-Pro is four months removed from when he suffered a torn MCL while being tackled by Cincinnati linebacker Vontez Burfict in a Nov. 1 game at Heinz Field, ending his 2015 season.
With at least six months to continue rehabilitation before the Steelers play another meaningful game, Bell should have plenty of time to work his knee back into shape, though, as Colbert noted last week, Bell won’t be rushed.
“His health and his ability to return at 100 percent is the most important thing,” said Colbert.
Getting Bell back healthy is critical to Pittsburgh’s offense. In 2014, he gained 2,215 total yards rushing and receiving and set a team-record for running backs with 83 receptions for 854 yards.
Bell, 24, appeared in just six games last season, sitting out the first two games while suspended for a 2014 DUI arrest. He averaged 115 yards from scrimmage in the six games, despite being injured in the first half of the 16-10 loss to the Bengals.
It marked the second consecutive year Bell suffered a season-ending injury against the Bengals. In 2014, he suffered a sprained knee in the regular season finale at Heinz Field against Cincinnati and was unable to play the following week in Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to Baltimore.
In other Steelers news, team chairman Dan Rooney will be honored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation with their Lifetime Achievement Award at it’s annual ROBIE Awards Dinner in New York March 7. Rooney was selected for the difference he has made in the NFL and sports, and as the United States Ambassador to Ireland, a position he held from 2009-2012.