Doesn't get contract

Bell was unable to reach a contract agreement with the Steelers before Monday's 4:00 PM ET deadline for franchise-tagged players, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Bell will play under the franchise tag for a second straight year, with his $14.54 million cap number easily leading all running backs. He waited until the end of the preseason to sign his tender last year, reporting to the Steelers just nine days before their season opener. The 26-year-old dropped hints that he'd follow a similar path in 2018 if he didn't get a long-term deal, but there hasn't been anything definitive regarding his plans. Bell technically can wait until Week 11 to sign the tag…read more

Likelihood of a holdout increasing

Bell could elect to hold out of training camp if a new contract isn't done by July 16, according to Joe Rutter of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Analysis: With just over one week until the extension deadline, Bell still has not signed his franchise tender, and appears poised for a second straight holdout. He and the Steelers should still be able to come to terms on a deal, with Bell seeking a long-term contract around $17 million per season compared to the $14.55 million tender currently on the table.

Sees hope in negotations

Bell said his contract negotiations with the Steelers are a lot closer than they were last year, NFL.com's Chris Wesseling reports.

Analysis: Bell made similar comments in January but then said in March that he's prepared to follow the same path as last season when he reported to the team Sept. 1. He's scheduled to earn $14.54 million in 2018 under the franchise tag, with a July 16 deadline to reach terms on an extension. The Steelers already have a lot of money invested in their offense between Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and a veteran O-line, but they could still find a way to pay Bell if they're comfortable relying on young,…read more

Not attending OTAs

Bell does not plan to attend OTAs, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Analysis: Bell has already suggested -- barring a contract extension -- he'll follow a route similar to the one he took last year, when he first reported to team facilities in early September after the final exhibition game. He got off to a slow start with 37 carries for 119 yards and seven catches for 19 yards the first two weeks of the season, yet still managed to finish the year with 1,946 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games. The Steelers have until July 16 to sign Bell to a long-term…read more

Not currently discussing deal

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said the team has paused contract discussions with Bell to focus on free agency and the draft, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers have until July 16 to sign Bell to a long-term contract, or else he'll play under the franchise tag for a second straight year. He recently said he doesn't intend to miss any games even if a deal isn't worked out, adding that he'd likely follow his path from last year when the running back waited until the preseason was over to report to the team. Bell disappointed in September and ultimately finished with what was easily his lowest yards per carry mark (4.0) since his rookie…read more

Plans to play in 2018

Bell relayed Wednesday that he intends to play in 2018, be it under the Steelers' franchise tag or on a new long-term contract with the team, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers tagged Bell on Tuesday, and the two parties now have until July 16 to work out an extension. In the event that a deal isn't worked out within that time frame, the running back noted that he's prepared to sit out training camp and other team activities, but confirmed his intention to make himself available to the Steelers in advance of Week 1 of the regular season. As Bell points out, such a scenario would be a "rerun of last year," in which the running back signed his franchise…read more

Officially tagged

Bell received the franchise tag prior to Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. EST deadline, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers were never going to let Bell test the open market and still haven't been able to work out a long-term agreement. The two sides presumably will continue negotiations, with Bell eventually expected to stage a lengthy holdout if he's forced to play under the franchise tag for a second straight year. The tag is worth approximately $14.5 million, but the Steelers likely would reduce Bell's 2018 cap figure if they were to hammer out a multi-year deal before the July 16 deadline.

Bell and the Steelers have yet to make major progress on a contract extension, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Analysis: Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said he hopes to sign Bell to an extension before the deadline for applying the franchise tag at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. Pittsburgh can still use the tag and continue negotiating after that point, but it's a scenario both sides presumably hope to avoid. Bell is targeting a contract that would comfortably make him the NFL's highest-paid running back in terms of average annual value, though a $14.5 million franchise tag technically would accomplish the same goal,…read more

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Thursday that the team prefers to ink Bell to a long-term contract extension this offseason rather than applying the franchise tag on the running back, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. "We never will discount the use of the tag because that's collectively bargained," Colbert said Thursday. "But again, our goal is to have something done on a long-term basis.

Analysis: Colbert's goal aligns with Bell's own wishes, as the soon-to-be 26-year-old said after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs Jan. 14 that he's eager to avoid a repeat of last offseason, when he sat out all of training camp while angling for a long-term deal before ultimately accepting a $12.1 million franchise tag. Though Bell would be projected to earn a slight pay increase if he were tagged again, the high attrition rate for NFL running backs makes it more appealing for him to work…read more

Contract talks progressing

Bell and the Steelers have reportedly "made significant progress" on a possible contract extension, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "We are a lot closer than we were last year," Bell said Wednesday.

Analysis: Fowler adds that the two sides have been talking about a new contract since the Steelers' season ended, with Bell indicating that they are in a "good spot" at this time. While a deal isn't imminent, Bell's tone suggests that this situation is much less likely to drag on than it did last year, when the star running back played under Pittsburgh's franchise tag, after he and the team failed to come to terms on a long-term extension.

Wants to return to Pittsburgh in 2018

Bell said Sunday following the Steelers' 45-42 loss to the Jaguars in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs that he would like to return to Pittsburgh for the 2018 season, but acknowledged the possibility of playing elsewhere, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports. "I never want to leave [Pittsburgh]," Bell said. "But obviously, circumstances and things like that. But I definitely don't."

Analysis: The "circumstances" Bell referenced likely relate to his contract status, as the running back relayed Friday that he would be prepared to sit out the 2018 season or contemplate retirement if the Steelers applied the franchise tag to him for the second straight offseason. Expect the Steelers and Bell's representatives to exchange figures on a longer-term contract within the coming months, but if the two sides can't find common ground on a deal before July, another franchise tag would grow more…read more

Two scores, 155 yards of total offense in loss

Bell ran for 67 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, and caught nine passes on 13 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 45-42 AFC divisional-round loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: Questionable coaching decisions and a quick 21-point deficit prohibited Bell from contributing much on offense early, as the Jaguars held him to just 24 yards in the first quarter. However, once he got going, the Steelers started putting points on the scoreboard, closing to within one score entering the fourth quarter. It is hard to imagine Pittsburgh not doing everything it can to ensure that Bell, who is an unrestricted free agent, returns in 2018, but he's already stated he could sit out…read more

Doesn't want to play under franchise tag in 2018

Bell suggested that he's prepared to sit out next season, or possibly even retire, if the Steelers use their franchise tag on him for the second straight year, ESPN.com reports. "I hope it doesn't come to that, but I would definitely consider it," Bell said Thursday.

Analysis: Bell turned in an All-Pro campaign while working under a $12.1 million franchise tag in 2017. The running back logged 321 carries for 1,291 yards and caught 85 passes for 655 yards, to go along with 11 total TDs in 15 games this past season. In any case, Bell's next contract is not something that will be settled in short order, with the Steelers preparing for Sunday's divisional-round playoff game against the Jaguars. It's a contest in which Bell, who was rested in Week 17, will once again head…read more

Bell was inactive (coach's decision) for Sunday's 28-24 win over the Browns, finishing the 2017 season with 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on 321 carries. He also caught 85 passes (on 107 targets) for 655 yards and 2 touchdowns in 15 games.

Analysis: Bell had a career-high in carries, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, receptions, targets and receiving yards this season, and avoided missing time due to injury for only the second time in his five-year career. An unrestricted free agent, Bell should receive a shiny new contact and, with no serious competition currently on the roster, is likely to return to Pittsburgh in 2018. Regardless of where he plays, Bell is one of the best and most versatile running backs in the league. He'll put his…read more

Officially inactive Sunday vs. Browns

Bell (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: With the Steelers expecting the Patriots to defeat the Jets on Sunday and secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, Pittsburgh will use Week 17 to rest several key regulars. Bell's absence likely clears the way for Stevan Ridley to serve as the team's lead back, with Fitzgerald Toussaint working in a complementary role. Bell concludes his regular season with 1,946 total yards, a career-high 85 receptions and 11 touchdowns across 15 games.

Slated to sit out Sunday vs. Browns

The Steelers will rest Bell and a number of key starters Sunday against the Browns, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Steelers likely won't relay official word regarding Bell's status until after the team releases its inactive list about 90 minutes before the 1 p.m. EST kickoff, but Rapoport's report that the running back will be held out aligns with what teammate Marcus Gilbert said following Thursday's practice. Bell was a limited participant Thursday and sat out the entirety of Friday's practice for a non-injury related reason, adding further credence to the notion that he'll sit out Week 17 with…read more

Status remains uncertain for Week 17

Bell (non-injury) didn't practice Friday but doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Browns,

Analysis: There have been rumblings Bell won't be out there Week 17, despite the rushing title and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs on the line. His downturn in practice reps the past two days also indicate the Steelers are preparing his backups for the lead role in the regular-season finale. In the event Bell takes a seat this weekend, Stevan Ridley likely would be the primary beneificiary, but Fitzgerald Toussaint should get in the act as well.

Could sit out Week 17

Bell (non-injury related) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. According to Tim Benz of TribLive.com, Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert suggested that Bell won't play Sunday against the Browns, though head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to confirm as much. "[Ben Roethlisberger isn't] there [Sunday] so [Cleveland will] get a little taste of Landry Jones," Gilbert noted. "We'll have Landry Jones in there. We won't have Ben. Or [Antonio Brown (lower leg)]. Or Le'Veon Bell."

Analysis: Though the Steelers have secured a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs, they could still claim home-field advantage throughout the postseason with a win and a Patriots loss to the Jets in Week 17. With New England a heavy favorite in their game, however, it appears the Steelers may already be conceding a Patriots victory and will instead turn their attention to resting key players Sunday, if Gilbert's comments are to be believed. More information on the status of Bell should be known no later…read more

Bell rushed 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding five catches for 28 yards on eight targets in Monday's 34-6 win over Houston.

Analysis: Bell had a one-yard score vultured by fullback Roosevelt Nix in the second quarter, but got into the end zone himself on a 10-yard run in the third. He also led his team in targets, which will likely be the case until top receiver Antonio Brown (calf) returns. Pittsburgh clinched a first-round bye with this victory, but Bell should remain a valuable fantasy commodity against the winless Browns next week with the Steelers needing a win and a New England loss to the Jets to clinch home-field…read more

Bell rushed 24 times for 117 yards and a touchdown and brought in five of six targets for 48 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Bell eclipsed the century mark in rushing yardage for the first time since Week 7, and he logged his third touchdown on the ground in the last two games when he went in from three yards out with 1:33 remaining in the third quarter. Factoring in Sunday's production, he's also recorded at least five catches in six consecutive contests. Bell could see a slight uptick in his already impressive workload against the Texans in Week 16 with Antonio Brown (calf) set to miss the contest.

Bell rushed 13 times for 48 yards and two touchdowns while catching nine of 10 targets for 77 yards and another touchdown during Sunday's 39-38 victory over Baltimore.

Analysis: Bell -- who entered the game averaging 3.9 carries on the season -- remained inefficient on the ground Sunday but, as usual, made up for it with his work in the passing game. The Michigan State product is now up to nine touchdowns on the year while sitting top five in the league in both rushing (1,105) and receiving yards (579) at his position. There's simply not many better fantasy options than Bell given his consistently heavy workload. As such, he'll likely be among the highest-owned players…read more

Tops 180 all-purpose yards in win

Bell rushed 18 times for 76 yards and caught five of six targets for 106 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 23-20 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Bell led the Steelers in both rushing and receiving yards, with his output in the latter category marking a season high. The tailback's night was highlighted by an unusual scoring play, as a couple Bengals defenders declined the clear opportunity to push him out of bounds following a reception, thus paving the way for him to tip-toe down the sideline past them en route to a 35-yard touchdown. While that gave Bell his first receiving score of the season, he's now topped 180 all-purpose yards in…read more

Bell rushed 20 times for 95 yards and caught 12 of 14 targets for 88 yards during Sunday's 31-28 victory over Green Bay.

Analysis: Bell hadn't topped 3.8 yards per carry in the past four games, so his 4.8 mark Sunday was certainly a breath of fresh air. His stat line would've looked a little prettier had he found the end zone, too, but the Steelers decided to pass on the majority of their plays near the goal line. That led to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger having a four-touchdown evening, coming at Bell's statistical expense. His next chance to reach paydirt will come in Week 12 against a Bengals defense that is better at…read more

Bell rushed 12 times for 46 yards and brought in nine of 11 targets for 57 yards in Thursday's 40-17 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau appeared intent on not allowing Bell to beat the Titans on the ground, leading to the standout running back's lowest carry total since the opener versus the Browns. The 25-year-old's yardage tally was also his worst since that contest, but Bell helped make it up to fantasy owners with his second-most prolific reception total of the campaign. Bell's usage continues to be through the roof in most games, rendering him an elite option in all season-long and daily…read more