New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell will not play in his team's first preseason game against the New York Giants on Thursday night, according to Brian Costello of The New York Post.

Jets head coach Adam Gase is having a tough time deciding how he will manager Bell this preseason, especially considering that Bell sat out the entire 2018 campaign due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It’s maddening with a guy like that that wants to play that bad and it is a fine line with Le’Veon, he hasn’t played in a year. At the same time, when’s the right time? Is it this game? Is it the next one? Is it the next one? Do we just not play him this preseason? Do we go through the whole time and just give him reps? All those questions are what we keep talking about.”

Bell signed a four-year, $52 million deal with New York this offseason.

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·
Allen Lazard New York Jets
Jets’ Allen Lazard reveals engagement amid Steelers rumorsAutumn Hawkins ·
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium.
Jets rumors: Will New York push Justin Fields in Jalen Hurts’ footsteps?Ben Strauss ·
New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Jets rumors: New York predicted to go on ‘late summer spending spree’Ben Strauss ·

He last appeared in the NFL with the Steelers in 2017, when he rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging four yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 85 receptions for 655 yards and a couple of scores, making the Pro Bowl and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection.

The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Michigan State, was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the second round (48th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

He went on to make three Pro Bowl appearances while notching First-Team All-Pro honors twice during his time with the Steelers.