Le'Veon Bell's Suspension Reduced to 2 Games: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has reportedly reached a settlement agreement with the NFL to reduce his three-game suspension to just two games. 

Jarrett Bell of USA Today first reported the news Tuesday. ESPN.com's Dan Graziano previously noted the NFL and the NFL Players Association had discussed a reduced suspension based on differences between the old and new drug policies. Bell's situation dates back to an August 2014 arrest on DUI and marijuana possession charges.

The third-year running back is coming off a season in which he tallied over 2,000 total yards and 11 touchdowns for the Steelers. Getting him back earlier, even if it's just one game, is a significant boost for the team's offense.

That notion is backed up by this breakdown of the Steelers' lack of success without Bell in the lineup over the past two seasons, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info:

Bell is now eligible to return for the team's Week 3 game against the St. Louis Rams, although he will still miss Pittsburgh's contests against the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers respectively.

The 2014 First-Team All-Pro selection was named the 2014 AFC Co-Offensive Player of the Year along with teammate Antonio Brown, as well as the NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year.

The former Michigan State standout's reduced suspension has substantial fantasy football implications in the eyes of many, including Pratik Patel of ESPNWisconsin.com:

The Steelers organization and its fans are more concerned with what Bell means to the team's overall success, and the 23-year-old star is ready to move forward.

According to ESPN.com, Bell stressed the importance of learning from this experience and using it to take the next step as a player and person.

"I want to make sure I do everything in my power to be a better teammate and player," Bell said. "Whatever the consequence is, I'll take it. ... You have to take the good with the bad."

Pittsburgh was second in the league in total offense last season, and while both quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Brown had plenty to do with that, Bell's blend of rushing and receiving skills was perhaps the biggest key to the Steelers' offensive success.

Every yard and point will matter in what promises to be a competitive AFC North division, so Bell's early return could very well be the difference between a playoff spot and a premature end to the season.