Report: Steelers Don't Know When Le'Veon Bell Will Arrive Despite RB's Plan

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has not informed the team or any of his teammates when he plans to return despite reportedly preparing to arrive during their Week 7 bye.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Bell has remained non-communicative with the Steelers during his absence.

The All-Pro will miss his sixth straight game after refusing to report to the team after receiving a franchise tag this offseason. He has forfeited more than $5 million during the holdout.

James Conner has been one of the NFL's most productive running backs with Bell sitting out. Conner has rushed for 342 yards (eighth in the NFL) while adding 22 receptions for 239 yards. 

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said this week he feels Conner has earned a permanent role in the offense.

"I think James has done some amazing things and deserves to be on the field," Roethlisberger told reporters. "We also know what Le'Veon is and what he brings to the table. I guess we'll cross that bridge if and when it happens."

Bell averaged 128.3 yards from scrimmage per game during his first five seasons, the highest rate in NFL history. He told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler he misses football but took a principled stand against what he thought was a low-ball contract offer from the Steelers. 

"It's costing me some fans," Bell said. "A lot of people call me selfish, but I'm really not. I'm doing it for guys behind me or guys who don't understand what's going on in the business of football. The 22 years I've been playing football, I've always brought value. I don't think the Steelers valued me as much."

Bell called the Steelers' $70 million offer over the summer "Monopoly money." NFL base salaries are not guaranteed, and the base guarantees of his deal only called for $17 million. 

"I've got a lot of good relationships with players on the team," Bell said. "They probably think I backdoored them. But I think they understand the decision. At the end of the day, they said what they said in the media. I'm not really too upset about it. It was a little disappointing, but I understand their side. When I talk to them, I hope they get that side of it."

It remains possible, though unlikely, that the Steelers find a trade partner for Bell before the deadline. It's more likely that he will report midway through next week to collect his check during the bye and then return to the field Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.