The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to prepare for their Week 1 game on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, but it seems one thing is overshadowing it all: Le'Veon Bell's holdout. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin knows that this type of drama could affect the team, but only if they let it happen, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“I think it can. Whether it’s negative or positive is up to the team.”

Tomlin continued:

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“I’ve been very thoughtful with my words, I’ve been very thoughtful about my approach with the staff, about planning with the players, with you guys,” Tomlin said. “I didn’t want to waste time and energy.

“The two most important variables were, when he showed up and, once he showed up, the condition he was in. Until that time, we were going to remain focused on those that were working and their preparation, and that remains the same.

“We’re preparing to play football with those who have been here and working. Nothing has changed from my perspective or our perspective, based on what has transpired in the last couple days. Zero.”

There is a chance that this drama between Bell and the Steelers could drag on for a while, so how the players handle it is going to be very important. Some players spoke out against Bell, calling him selfish and questioning his motives for staying away from the team.

Bell could hold out until Week 10 and still become a free agent this offseason, and it seems more and more that this is where we could be headed.