The Pittsburgh Steelers were finally able to get star running back Le'Veon Bell to sign his franchise tender this week and concentrate on the team's first matchup of the 2017 NFL campaign against the division rival Cleveland Browns this weekend.
Although Bell is back in the fold, the fact he missed out on training camp and preseason is a bit concerning in terms of his fitness. Apparently, head coach Mike Tomlin isn't worried about the two-time Pro Bowler claiming he's in great shape ahead of Week 1, via Ed Bouchette of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Tomlin: Bell is in "great physical condition" and "got back on the moving train yesterday".
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 5, 2017
Bell will have the perfect opportunity to brush off some of the rust with the Steelers going up against the lowly Browns on Sunday. Tomlin, however, hasn't said how much of the workload Bell will have coming out of the backfield in the team's first game of the season.
It could come down to a feeling out process for Tomlin. Bell may get tested with a few carries to see whether he's up to speed. If he isn't ready to take on the bulk of the carries, the Steelers may look to rookie James Connor.
Regardless of whether Bell puts in the usual work on Sunday, the Steelers are still expected to come out on top against their AFC North division rivals. Cleveland, on the other hand, will be trying out a new quarterback once again with rookie DeShone Kizer set to start under center and given the tall task of facing Tomlin's squad.