Getty Image
This year, countless optimists picked up Le’Veon Bell in the first round of their fantasy football draft in the hopes the Steelers running back was bluffing when he threatened to sit out until Week 10 of the season thanks to his ongoing contract dispute with the team.
So far, Bell has made good on his word and has put his offseason to good use by partying in Miami and firing off passive aggressive tweets— including one that reportedly made the Steelers start looking into trade options.
sometimes a simple “thank you” can go a long way…I feel like too many ppl take me for granted…
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) September 23, 2018
After Earl Thomas suffered a season-ending injury over the weekend, Bell hopped into some Instagram comments to voice his support for the player who made the retroactively ill-advised decision to report this season instead of following in Bell’s footsteps.
However, it appears Bell is only going to be the “bad guy” for a little bit longer if a new report from ESPN is to be believed.
According to Jeremy Fowler, multiple sources have indicated Bell is planning on stepping back onto the football field in Week Eight to help the Steelers avoid another tie with the Browns (he could actually report by Week Seven when the team is on a bye).
Bell recently spoke with the outlet to share his thoughts on the situation, saying:
“It sucks having to sit out football. I want to play. I want to win games and the playoffs.
But I’ve gotta take this stand. Knowing my worth and knowing I can tear a ligament or get surgery at any time, I knew I couldn’t play 16 games with 400 or more touches.”
The Week 10 deadline was originally set because Bell would have to return by that point to get credit for the season but it looks like he’s willing to pull a Greg Jennings and put the team on his back earlier than expected.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t result in a broken leg.