Around the NFL

Le'Veon Bell not ready to test knee on Thursday

Published: Jan 01, 2015 at 10:58 AM

Chris Wesseling

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

After insisting that his hyperextended knee felt great on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell wasn't quite as optimistic on Thursday.

Bell revealed to NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala that he didn't attempt to run on Thursday because he didn't feel comfortable testing the knee.

Coach Mike Tomlin is calling for an extra practice on Friday, giving Bell one last-ditch chance to try running and cutting. Even if Bell doesn't go on Friday, offensive coordinator Todd Haley said he would be comfortable playing his star tailback without practice if the knee checks out by Saturday's pre-game routine, per Kinkhabwala.

Teammate Antonio Brown told Kinkhabwala that he's confident Bell will suit up, if only because "it's a really big game" against the rival Baltimore Ravens.

In the meantime, the Steelers are preparing undrafted rookie Josh Harris as the starter, with the tight ends and offensive line picking up slack in pass protection.

At this point, Brown appears to be alone in his belief that the NFL's second-leading rusher will take a sudden turn for the better over the next 36 hours.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews this weekend's four Wild-Card matchups and predicts who will advance. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Mack Brown on QB Drake Maye's competitive nature: 'He had to fight to get a chicken leg at the table'

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown believes QB Drake Maye has the type of intangibles that will benefit him as he proceeds to the next level in next week's 2024 NFL Draft.

news

Dave Canales on improving Panthers: 'It's about building a great team, and then Bryce (Young) can just do his part'

The Carolina Panthers know they need to improve the situation around Bryce Young, but coach Dave Canales wants to build a team around the quarterback, not for the quarterback. "I think it's not about surrounding Bryce (Young) with great players; it's about building a great team," Canales said.

news

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz doesn't want 'fair trade' to deal No. 5 pick: 'They have to make it attractive for us'

With the draft now only a week away from kicking off in Detroit, front of mind for Joe Hortiz in his first season as general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers is how to best utilize the team's No. 5 overall pick, and the negotiation power that comes with that high-value selection.

news

New-look Lions: Reigning NFC North champions unveil fresh uniforms, including all-black alternates

The Detroit Lions unveiled their re-designed uniforms for the 2024 season on Thursday evening, including a new black-and-blue color rush look and three helmet shells.

news

Longtime NFL senior VP of officiating Walt Anderson transitioning to new role

Longtime NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson is transitioning to a new role as NFL rules analyst and club communications liaison, the league announced Thursday.

news

Browns GM Andrew Berry anticipating 'next time that Nick Chubb runs out of that tunnel'

Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed gratitude for Nick Chubb's recent contract restructure, along with anticipation for the recovering running back running back onto the field.

news

Broncos general manager George Paton: 'Our first pick, we have to hit on'

Quarterback or not, there's plenty of pressure for Denver general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to hit a home run with their first-round pick next week. "Our first pick, we have to hit on," Paton said Thursday.

news

Commanders GM Adam Peters not looking to trade out of second overall pick: 'We feel great about staying at No. 2'

Speaking with reporters a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters says the team "feels great" about holding the No. 2 overall pick.

news

NFL reinstates five players who were suspended indefinitely for violation of gambling policy

Five NFL players who were suspended indefinitely for violating the league's gambling policy in 2023 have been reinstated, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.

news

Bills QB Josh Allen on Stefon Diggs trade: 'I don't get paid to make changes on the team'

Bills QB Josh Allen gave his thoughts on the Stefon Diggs trade to Houston, which percieves to open up a glaring need at wide receiver, however, GM Brandon Beane said he likes the corps already in place ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

news

Lions GM Brad Holmes doesn't feel 'any more or less pressure' with late first-round pick

Brad Holmes has helped pit Detroit in unfamiliar territory at the end of Round 1 coming off a successful season, but that won't deter the Lions general manager for being ready for anything that comes his way on draft night.

news

Eliot Wolf says Patriots are 'open for business' in every round of 2024 NFL Draft

Speaking with the media a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf says the team is "open for business" as New England hold the No. 3 overall pick.