DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
News: The Steelers will prepare for their Saturday playoff game with the Ravens as if they will not have Le’Veon Bell, per Mike Tomlin at his press conference this afternoon, though the coach added they will leave the ‘light on’ for his return. In the interim, they have Ben Tate at their South Side headquarters and likely will sign him.
Views: Nothing about the diagnosis changed. Bell has a hyperextended right knee, and an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of no structural damage. Bell is walking better today than yesterday and was riding a stationary bike.
I asked Tomlin if he’ll prepare Josh Harris as the No. 1 back for Saturday, and he came close to confirming that, while also carefully stressing his view that Tate or another outside back would have sufficient time to prepare if chosen. Tomlin also stated bluntly that the Steelers might de-emphasize the position and go with another receiver or utilize fullback Will Johnson or other variables.
I wouldn’t take any of this as some strong sign one way or the other. The feel I got over there was that there’s absolutely no feel right now and the Steelers are covering their bases before a big game.
We can get into this more in the Tuesday 12 Qs, which starts in an hour.
UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Tate is signed.
Le’Veon Bell has a hyperextended right knee but is back to riding a stationary bike. — GETTY
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News/views: Steelers brace for no Bell, sign Tate
by Dejan Kovacevic • Coverage • Steelers
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
News: The Steelers will prepare for their Saturday playoff game with the Ravens as if they will not have Le’Veon Bell, per Mike Tomlin at his press conference this afternoon, though the coach added they will leave the ‘light on’ for his return. In the interim, they have Ben Tate at their South Side headquarters and likely will sign him.
Views: Nothing about the diagnosis changed. Bell has a hyperextended right knee, and an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of no structural damage. Bell is walking better today than yesterday and was riding a stationary bike.
I asked Tomlin if he’ll prepare Josh Harris as the No. 1 back for Saturday, and he came close to confirming that, while also carefully stressing his view that Tate or another outside back would have sufficient time to prepare if chosen. Tomlin also stated bluntly that the Steelers might de-emphasize the position and go with another receiver or utilize fullback Will Johnson or other variables.
I wouldn’t take any of this as some strong sign one way or the other. The feel I got over there was that there’s absolutely no feel right now and the Steelers are covering their bases before a big game.
We can get into this more in the Tuesday 12 Qs, which starts in an hour.
UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Tate is signed.
Le’Veon Bell has a hyperextended right knee but is back to riding a stationary bike. — GETTY