Steelers Lineman Says "It Doesn't Matter" If Le'Veon Bell Reports This Season

Following his team’s fourth straight win, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman David DeCastro said it didn’t matter if running back Le’Veon Bell ends his holdout and returns to the team.

Bell, who hasn’t signed his $14.5 million franchise tender and has been away from the team all season, has been replaced by James Conner, who has filled in for him admirably and is second in the NFL with 706 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns.

“Why waste more energy on it? The first week, we were shocked by [the Bell holdout]. At this point, what are you gonna do? Sit here and drive at it and beg him to come back? Obviously that’s not how it works,” DeCastro said to The MMQB. “So we just put our best foot forward and try to do the best for this team. It just doesn’t matter. If he shows up, you’re blocking your guy the same as you would for Conner. It’s not like it’s going to be an issue. As much drama as there was with that, it’s not going to affect how we play football.”

Before the Pittsburgh’s win over the Ravens, coach Mike Tomlin shared similar sentiments.

“We need volunteers— not hostages” Mike Tomlin refreshingly honest on Bell and game ready to beat the Ravens #Steelers pic.twitter.com/zDzFe8nsU5

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) November 4, 2018

He likely felt the same way after the game as Conner ran for 107 yards on 24 carries and added seven catches for 56 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers’ 23-16 win.

Bell has until November 13 to report to the Steelers if he wants to play this season.

If he doesn’t, the Steelers have the option of placing either the franchise or transition tag on Bell next year, both of which would seemingly be options he would want to avoid.

However, some have speculated neither side wants to deal with tags again so the Steelers could simply decide to let Bell walk and get draft compensation or tag him with the understanding that a trade of the All-Pro to another team will be made.