Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell made his return to the practice field on Monday after officially ending his holdout last Friday. He signed his tender earlier today.

Following his first practice session with the team, Bell told Aditi Kinkhabwala of ESPN that he was “a little winded” from the on-field work, but stated he will ready for the season opener on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

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This was expected given that Bell missed the last several weeks of practice, as well as the physicality that it entails. However, the more practice time he gets under his belt, the better game shape he will be in, which should erase any concern that he won't be prepared for the regular season.

It may lead to a lighter workload for the first week or two, but it shouldn't prevent him from being the workhorse that the Steelers are hoping to depend heavily upon. When healthy, Bell has proven to be arguably the most talented running back in the league with his unique blend as a highly effective rusher and receiver out of the backfield.

The 25-year old has plenty to play for, as he will be taking the field on a one-year franchise tender as he hopes to work out a long-term deal with the Steelers next summer.