NFL teams
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 8y

Le'Veon Bell says he feels 'great' after first game action since knee injury

NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

NEW ORLEANS -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell's knee looked just fine in his first live action in 10 months, and he's hoping for more progress after 11 months.

Yes, he's choosing to consider a positive from his looming three-game suspension for missed drug tests. Bell, who tore two ligaments in his right knee in November, said his body felt "great" after 58 total yards in the Steelers' 27-14 win over the New Orleans SaintsĀ on Friday night.

"I can only imagine how I'll feel in a month," Bell said.

Bell caught five passes for 37 yards and rushed for 21 yards on three carries. He attributed a fumble on third-and-18 to rust; he rarely fumbled in his first three seasons.

Bell split snaps with DeAngelo Williams, and on the Steelers' 15-play, 74-yard opening drive, Bell took a screen pass 13 yards down the sideline and was tackled on a 3-yard run up the middle.

Bell said he's not thinking about what the next few weeks will be like without football. But he's taking a more cautious approach to games after ending back-to-back regular seasons with knee injuries.

He's more aware of the sideline now.

"Obviously I've still got to be the same player, be aggressive, deliver some punishment -- but I've got to be smart," he said.

^ Back to Top ^