While Le’Veon Bell has given no indication as to when he’ll report to the Steelers, those involved in the matter “estimate” Bell will arrive on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). That’s far from a declarative report, but showing on Saturday would allow Bell to receive his game check for Pittsburgh’s Week 1 contest, even though he almost certainly won’t play in the game. The Steelers won’t rescind Bell’s franchise tag, which is scheduled to pay him roughly $14.5MM for the 2018 season, nor will they trade the All-Pro running back, per Rapoport. Bell’s agent suggested workload is a concern for the superstar, but head coach Mike Tomlin says he won’t discuss Bell’s projected usage with the latter’s representation, per Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:
- After years of moonlighting as the Vikings‘ defensive play-caller, head coach Mike Zimmer admits he’s considered handing duties off to coordinator George Edwards, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. However, Zimmer is confident is his ability to make adjustments late in games, and also doesn’t want to constantly second-guess Edwards. “I have a style of how I call a game. George, even though he tries to do it like I do it, I don’t want to tell him, ‘Oh I hate that call’ or ‘You should’ve called this,'” said Zimer. “I don’t think that’s fair to him. If I want something called, I should call it.”
- Ravens kicker Kaare Vedvik, who was hospitalized with severe head injuries over the weekend, is now visiting the club at its facility, reports Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Vedvik, who had injuries consistent with an assault, was placed on the non-football injury list. Rival teams were reportedly interested in the rookie kicker heading into roster cutdowns, and a trade market could have existed. Vedvik won’t be eligible to play this season, but could compete for a role in 2019 if he’s fully healthy.
- The Lions didn’t have a single player they cut over the weekend land on another roster via a waiver claim or a free agent signing, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press notes. While that could indicate Detroit made all the correct decisions on Saturday/Sunday, it could also mean the Lions have a weakness at the back of their roster. With that in mind, the Lions and general manager Bob Quinn could make adding depth a priority over the next few weeks.
If Bell shows up Saturday the Steelers should play him and give him 50 carries.
I like it!
I was thinking run him up and down the field until the offense reaches the red zone and then bring in Conner to steal his touchdowns.
Or just use bell in pass protection when they reach the red zone. Let him prove to the teammates that he’s not just in it for himself and willing to make plays for the better of the team and not just his statistics to pad his wallet. You know, like how the offensive linemen are always sacrificing their bodies so he can get those yards and statistics…
Send him out wide and have him run go routes all game
That’s what the browns do. Do something wrong and you play the entire game
Amen to that!! Work his ass off!! See if he still thinks he’s above all his teammates then!!
300 carries. He can snap the ball to himself and block for himself. Cmon, Mr one in a generation, run the ball.
The Lions had a streak of 2 consecutive days making right decisions during the off season. An accomplishment of that magnitude will undoubtedly result in a stampede for season tickets.
I honestly would just cut him / rescind the tag. The last report I read had him wanting #1 back AND #2 receiver money. By that logic, receivers who rush on sweeps, block on runs, and return kicks should be paid the salaries of four players.
What about zettle from Detroit didn’t Cleveland claim him
Zettle was cut yesterday, not “over the weekend” as the blurb states
I never criticize a man for fighting for what he thinks is best for him and his family.
Oh because his family needs that extra 14 million. Couldn’t live without it
I never criticize a man for fighting for what he thinks is just for himself.