ESPN's Adam Schefter Has A New Update On RB Le'Veon Bell
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Le'Veon Bell did not play in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opening tie against the Cleveland Browns. The All-Pro running back has not yet signed his franchise tag contract. Bell is reportedly planning on sitting out for a decent portion of the NFL season, if necessary.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has a new update on Bell's status moving forward. He won't be playing in Week 2, it appears.
Bell has been removed from the Steelers' depth chart heading into Pittsburgh's home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
"It's just after noon, and there's no sign of RB Le'Veon Bell at Steelers' headquarters. So he's off their depth chart, he's not at Steelers' complex and he's out for Sunday vs. KC," Schefter reports.
Bell lost roughly $800K in contract money by sitting out Week 1. He'll lose roughly the same amount for sitting out Week 2.
"Bell's lost revenue is now over $1.7 million for missing this season's first two games," Schefter added.
Bell is set to be a free agent in 2019. Reports suggest that Bell is willing to sit out a significant portion of the 2018 season, not wanting to rack up a ton of carries for a team that isn't paying him the long-term contract he's seeking.
James Conner played well in Bell's absence last Sunday, totaling more than 100 yards on the ground. Bell is obviously still a major loss for a Steelers' team that's looking to rebound from a tough Week 1 showing.
It's possible Bell could sit out until Week 10, according to some reports. This might be Conner's show at running back for quite a while.
The Steelers and the Chiefs are set to kick off at 1 p.m. E.T. on Sunday. The game will be televised on CBS.
