Kevin Colbert Says Le'Veon Bell Has No Return Timeline from Core Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell had core muscle surgery on March 13, but the team doesn't appear motivated to rush him back. 

On Sunday, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Bell is without a timetable for return as he continues the rehabilitation process. 

"Our goal is to have him 100 percent for the 2017 season," Colbert said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.   

After Bell underwent surgery, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted the "normal timeline" for return from core muscle surgery is generally "six weeks or so." 

And while the 25-year-old is only two weeks removed from surgery, it appears the Steelers are content playing things safe since it's so early in the offseason. 

In fact, the Steelers won't be back together until April 17, when teams with returning head coaches are allowed to open offseason workout programs. 

The cautious route is also a safe one for the Steelers, considering Bell has been banged up quite a bit over the past few years. Most notably, Bell missed 10 games in 2015 after he suffered a season-ending MCL tear. 

Given that Bell has missed 14 games combined over the past two seasons due to injuries and suspensions, opting for a more prudent rehabilitation process that puts him in position to suit up for a full 16-game slate should be one of the Steelers' top priorities as the offseason rolls on.