Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell sent out a cryptic tweet saying goodbye to Miami on Monday, which some took as an indication that he might finally be set to report to the Steelers this week. However, it doesn’t seem as if that’s the case.

Per Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, the Steelers do not expect Bell to report before Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Bell has until next Tuesday, Nov. 13 to report in order to play at all this season. If he doesn’t he will be ineligible to play for the rest of the season.

Schefter and Fowler also indicate that there’s a possibility Bell might just sit out the entire 2018 season. If Bell does sit out the rest of the year, the Steelers would be able to place the franchise tag on him again in 2019, at the same $14.54 million franchise tender as in 2018.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens replaced by Steelers star at Pittsburgh youth camp he bailed onBen Strauss ·
One mystery player in the middle, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Highsmith around him, Pittsburgh Steelers logo in the background
1 perfect Pittsburgh Steelers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
steelers, steelers trade, pittsburgh steelers, cordarrelle patterson
1 obvious Pittsburgh Steelers trade candidate entering 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen gets real on what’s motivating him this offseasonGuillermo Guajardo ·

It would be in Bell’s best interest to show up in order to have a better shot at hitting unrestricted free agency next year.

But whether or not Bell reports or even plays, the Steelers are doing just fine without him. They’ve now won four games in a row, with James Conner consistently putting up Bell-esque rushing and receiving numbers during that span.

The Steelers should like their chances of extending their winning streak to six games at home against the Panthers, regardless of whether Bell reports.