In the days leading up to their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns and head coach Hue Jackson still don't know the availability of star Pittsburgh running back Le'Veon Bell.

Bell hasn't reported with his franchise tender yet to be signed, which has put his status for the season opener up in the air. Yet, Browns head coach Hue Jackson voiced that he expects the 26-year-old to be on the field come Sunday afternoon, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

“It has nothing to do with us,” Jackson told reporters on Monday regarding the news that Bell hadn’t shown up as of Monday. “I plan on him being there. We are playing a really good Steelers offense, a really good Steelers team. . . . At the end of the day, I anticipate him being there.”

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett gestures to rookie Shedeur Sanders during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns rumors: This Cleveland QB predicted to be traded before training camp, per NFL insiderZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders gets ‘elite’ evaluation from Browns reporterRichard Pereira ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders gets very disappointing update in campMalik Brown ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett, left, chats with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Insider suggests Browns schedule will be factor in starting QB battleZachary Weinberger ·
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) walks off the field after win against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kenny Pickett makes promise about Super Bowl stint with EaglesBen Strauss ·
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski breaks silence on Myles Garrett, players’ OTAs absenceRichard Pereira ·

There is no other way the Browns would prepare for the contest given that Bell plays such a large role in Pittsburgh's offense. In many ways, he is the driving force of the Steelers' offense behind his versatility as a runner and pass-catcher while establishing himself as arguably the best running back in the league.

Bell is coming off another highly productive campaign, posting 1,291 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns as well as a career-best 85 catches for 655 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. This marked his third year with more than 1,200 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards. Bell should be on track to do much of the same this upcoming season, even without participating in training camp or the preseason.

Bell struggled to begin last season after holding out, rushing for just 32 yards on 10 carries along with three catches for 15 yards against the Browns. Until it is clear that Bell won't be on the field for Week 1, the Browns will continue preparing for him to be there.