Former Steelers player suggests Le’Veon Bell should return to team, fake an injury

Due to a contract holdout, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been without the services of star running back Le’Veon Ball this season. Bell refused to sign his $14.5 million tender ahead of the latest NFL campaign and has lost $2.5 million for sitting out. Bell has to make a return for the Steelers by Nov. 13 or he will forfeit his free agent status. While trade talk involving Bell seems to be the hot topic, a former teammate is suggesting that the RB take a different approach.

As Complex reported, former Steelers player James Harrison told FS1’s “Undisputed,” what he would do in Bell’s situation. Harrison suggested that Bell should make his return by Nov. 13 and then “do the best I can to get out of this season healthy.” Harrison said he’d show up for practice and would be good to go but “come Saturday, ‘Something ain’t right.'” He went on to suggest that he would be unable to play on Sunday, basically avoiding any potential injuries on the field.

Bell has been a member of the Steelers since the 2013 season. He’s been mostly healthy through his five seasons, with 2015 seeing him play in just six games. Over the course of his career, he’s tallied over 5,000 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. Just last year, he put up 1,291 yards on the ground with a career-high nine TDs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled through their first three games, achieving a 1-1-1 record. They picked up their first win of the season in Monday Night Football, a 30-27 victory at Tampa Bay. Despite holding an early lead, Pittsburgh allowed the home team to climb back into the game and make it close in the second half.

They’ll try to get to the winning side when they play again on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have home field advantage, but once again will not have Le’Veon Bell suiting up. The way James Harrison puts it, Bell shouldn’t be worried about helping his longtime team, but himself.

As Harrison mentioned, getting on the field for the Steelers and possibly becoming injured could mean “I’m losing a lot of money.”