The New York Jets play their first preseason game on Thursday, and as of now, the team is playing coy as to whether or not superstar running back Le’Veon Bell will get a chance to shake off any rust.
Speaking to the media today via Pro Football Talk, Adam Gase wasn’t sure if Bell would get any play when the Jets take on the Giants on Thursday. “I haven’t talked to him about it yet,” Gase said, but did note that his past experience with running backs like Frank Gore could come into play.
“Frank Gore is a great example,” Gase said. “I was like, ‘Frank, you are not playing in the preseason.’ He was in my office every day the third preseason game and he was like, ‘I’m playing.’ It’s hard to argue with Frank Gore. He’s not listening to what I’m saying. He’s just like, ‘I’m playing. I will be dressed whether or not you put me in a game.’ We ended up playing him one series and then he stood next to me for the next two series and says, ‘I’m going back in. I’m going back in.’ 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.”
Gase ended things by saying that the decision on whether or not Bell plays will be his, but that Bell will listen, no matter the case.
Article Continues Below“The one conversation we had about it, he goes, ‘Whatever you tell me you want to do, that’s what we’ll do.’ So, he’s been outstanding in that area,” Gase said.
While it’s likely that Bell does want to play in some form, keeping the running back healthy and fresh for the regular season is still the goal.
Bell will probably end up getting playing time at some point in the preseason, but the first game is usually reserved for the deeper portions of the depth chart.
With that in mind, don’t be surprised to see Bell sitting some games out.