The Pittsburgh Steelers have played three games without Le’Veon Bell, and head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t want to answer any more questions.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes Tomlin, during his Tuesday press conference, said he would not discuss the All-Pro running back.
Coach Mike Tomlin at his Tuesday press conference: “I’m not talking Le’Veon. I’m just not. There’s nothing new to add.”
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 25, 2018
Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Pittsburgh has opened the 2018 campaign 1-1-1, finally getting in the win column Monday night with a 30-27 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since the season began, there’s been no signal of any progress made between Bell and the front office. The Steelers have reportedly placed him on the trade block and received early interest from the New York Jets.
Each game Bell sits, he loses $855,000 of what he could be earning under the franchise tag. However, the 26-year-old has clearly decided his long-term value is worth more than the $14.5 million tag this year.
But the deeper Pittsburgh gets into the season, the less Tomlin and Co. are publicly paying mind to the superstar back.
If or when Bell does return, the locker room will be awkward.