Throughout the entire holdout process with Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell, the team has had firm with the stance of letting things play out on their own.
With Tuesday's deadline to return to the team in order to play this season now here, it has put Bell in one last spot to show whether he will return or not. Head coach Mike Tomlin has also reached a point of living with the outcome of the situation whatever it may be as he voiced that sentiment on Tuesday morning, according to Aditi Knikhabwala of The NFL Network.
Mike Tomlin asked what if Le’Veon Bell does not show, as expected. Says, “So be it.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 13, 2018
Bell has until 4 E.T. on Tuesday afternoon to show up to the Steelers' practice facility to sign his franchise tender in order to be able to play at all this year. There have been many different return dates tossed around the 26-year-old over the last few months, but there has been a growing notion that he may not return at all. This has put much doubt into the possibility that he will be back with the team this season at all.
The decision lies squarely on Bell's shoulders as the move to be on this extended holdout has sent a strong message to the franchise about his desire to earn the long-term lucrative contract that he felt he deserved after what he has proven in his last few years on the field. This may more than likely see him elect to sit out the entire season, especially after seeing former Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant tear his Achilles tendon in his second practice back after an extended absence from playing this season.
That said, the Steelers appear to be more than comfortable to ride with second-year running back James Conner leading the charge in the backfield. Conner has proven to be a legitimate dual-threat factor currently ranking third in the league with 771 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns along with 39 receptions for 387 receiving yards and a touchdown.
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