New York Jets coach Adam Gase announced on Sunday that running back Le'Veon Bell will not suit up in the preseason.
RB Le’Veon Bell will NOT play this preseason, Adam Gase said.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) August 19, 2019
Gase was already considering that scenario but after linebacker, Avery Williamson tore his ACL during Thursday night's game. Gase took responsibility for the injury saying he kept Williamson in too long, and it's clear that isn't something he wants to risk with Bell.
Gase said heading into the preseason he was 99 percent sure Bell wouldn't play, and now he has decided to make a final decision.
“I was about 99% sure heading into the preseason,” Gase said after the Jets’ practice at MetLife Stadium via TribLive.com. “It was all based off of how he practiced, conditioning and all those types of things.”
Bell said last week that he would like to play in the preseason but also understood if the team decided to hold him out.
“I understand they're going to protect me from myself,” Bell said, via NFL.com. “I'm definitely ready to play. And play against people other than my teammates… and guys who don't know our plays. It's hard having to be patient and wait, but at the same time, I know it's for the better good. When Week 1 comes around, I'm going to be happy out there playing. OK, now the lights are on. It's time to go.”
The Jets signed Bell to a four year $52.5 million contract this offseason so it makes sense the team wouldn't want to risk anything in a meaningless preseason game.
If the Jets are going to make it back to the playoffs, Bell is going to be a key reason why.
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