Le'Veon Bell will have to wait another week to make his long-awaited return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite announcing his intention to comeback earlier this month.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers are not expecting Bell to return this week as they are currently on their bye week, which means players will be off from Thursday through Sunday, per sources.
Schefter added that the disgruntled back could return to the team next Monday, Oct. 22.
Steelers are not expecting RB Le’Veon Bell to return to the team this week, per source. The Steelers are on their bye this week, the players are off Thursday through Sunday, so now the Bell watch begins for next Monday, Oct. 22.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2018
Bell told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that he planned to return to the Steelers between Week 7-8 after holding out for the first six games of the season earlier this month.
"I miss football," Bell told Fowler. "When I do get back, I plan to give it my all. I still do want to go out there and win a Super Bowl with the Steelers."
Schefter noted that Bell hadn't been in touch with the organization as recently as Sunday.
However, the Ohio native was apparently spotted at a local gas station in Pittsburgh on Monday morning, less than a day after the Steelers' home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jake from Brentwood claims he just saw @LeVeonBell at the South Side GetGo....so there you go.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) October 15, 2018
The 26-year-old running back refused to sign his $14.5 million franchise tag this offseason, instead hoping to sign a long-term contract either with Pittsburgh or another franchise.
Former backup James Conner has emerged as the Steelers' primary back in Bell's absence, recording 453 yards and seven touchdowns.
Conner had another strong performance on Sunday, which included rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns during a win against the Bengals.
Bell tweeted praise of his teammate on Sunday.
damn james 💪🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2018
After the game, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger joked that it was Conner's "last game" based on reports of Bell's return.
"I don't know," Roethlisberger said with a chuckle. "That's just what I've heard."
Bell recorded 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,229 rushing attempts, as well as 312 receptions for 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns during his six seasons in Pittsburgh.
The three-time Pro Bowl running back had 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 321 rushing attempts, as well as 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns in 2017.
Pittsburgh will resume play in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, which could mark Bell's long-awaited return to action.
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