Running back Le’Veon Bell will have to wait until at least Week Six to play his first NFL game in the United States, but it doesn’t look like he’ll have to wait that long to make his NFL debut.
Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that Bell is expected to play against the Vikings in London on Sunday, which would mark his first game action since injuring his foot in Pittsburgh’s second preseason game in August. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Monday that Bell was on track to play, which is earlier than the post-Week Five bye return date that the Steelers had in mind. Tomlin explained why the thinking has changed in Pittsburgh.
“He perked up dramatically at the end of last week,” Tomlin said, via Scott Brown of ESPN.com.
The Steelers rushing attack can use all the help it can find after averaging just under 52 rushing yards a game through the first three weeks. We should start finding out whether or not Bell can solve the woes on Sunday and the Steelers have to hope he can because there are no other players waiting in the wings to bolster the run game.