Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell put up one of the most awe-inspiring performances for a running back in recent history this past season. Despite being suspended for the first three games of the regular season, Bell tallied 1,884 total yards and averaged 5.6 yards per touch.
Unfortunately for Bell, his season ended in disappointment. The Pro Bowl running back pulled up lame prior to the AFC Championship Game with a groin injury. It forced him out for the vast majority of Pittsburgh’s loss to the New England Patriots. It has also led to an investigation into whether Pittsburgh failed to properly disclose the injury (more on that here).
Now, with the offseason in his sights, Bell is contemplating surgery on the injured groin.
“I’m kind of in the process of seeing a couple of doctors, seeing if I have to get surgery or not,” Bell said, via NFL.com. “I’m hoping for the best, but I understand it’s a tough game. If I don’t get surgery, I go into the rehab process, work hard, get back to how I was last year, or actually, better. I’m going to take it from there.”
Set to become a free agent in March, surgery should surely play a role in the type of contract Bell receives. The likeliest scenario here is that Pittsburgh will hand him the franchise tag before free agency itself starts. If Bell has to undergo surgery, that possibility becomes even more realistic.
Bell has a history of injuries. He’s also coming off a suspension. So despite his stellar play on the field, there should be concern within the Steelers’ organization about giving the gifted running back a long-term deal.