There were times last season when Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell would not come off the field for the Steelers. He’d play the entire game. He did this against the Bengals late last season and played all but one play in games against the Ravens and Giants. If the coaches wanted to give him a breather, he’d wave them off and remain on the field.
Things might be changing this season. Bell’s usage declined in the first game, and some of it had nothing to do with easing him back into the game after missing training camp. Against the Browns Sunday, the Steelers had designed packages without Bell or any other running back on the field.