While it’s still early in the week, all signs are pointing to Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Le’Veon Bell being able to play this coming Sunday in the game against the Miami Dolphins after suffering a concussion this past Thursday night in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
According to Chris Bradford of the Beaver County Times, Bell said Monday he has no recollection of the hit that knocked him out of the game, but added that he started feeling better by Friday morning. Bradford also reports that Bell appeared to be limited in practice on Monday.
“I didn’t want to push anything. Set myself back or anything,” said Bell.
Bell had his best game of the season against the Ravens as he provided 136 yards of offense. In addition, the Michigan State product registered the Steelers longest run of the season as scampered 43 yards on third and two from the Steelers 49 yard-line with 7:26 left in the third quarter.
Bell was injured on the Steelers final scoring drive of the game when he was hit helmet-to-helmet by two Ravens defensive players just before he crossed the goal-line with 1:32 left in the game.
The force of the blows caused Bell’s helmet to fly off on his way into the end zone and after the play was reviewed, he was ruled to be down just short of the goal-line because of the rule that states a play his dead once an offensive player loses his helmet.
Bell will likely have to pass several more concussion test before being allowed to practice fully later on in the week. Head coach Mike Tomlin is scheduled to hold his weekly press conference on Tuesday and should update Bell’s condition at that time.
