|
PITTSBURGH -- Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, recovering from a concussion, is on track to face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Bell has passed all mandatory concussion tests so far this week and, barring a setback, should play against the visiting Dolphins. Bell said he hasn't experienced any post-concussion symptoms from a frightening goal-line collision near the end of the Steelers' 22-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday night. Bell's helmet popped off after the 6-foot-1, 244-pound rookie and Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith rammed into one another just short of the end zone, and Bell's head slammed off the turf at M&T Bank Stadium. Bell has practiced both days this week and is expecting a normal workload against the Dolphins. "I'm fine," Bell said after practice Thursday. "I passed all of my tests." Bell, who leads the Steelers with 528 rushing yards and five touchdowns, has to pass league-mandated tests leading up to the game, but his recovery has provided good news for the banged-up Steelers (5-7). One of the bigger questions going into the Sunday's game is the state of the line that Bell will run behind. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee) has yet to practice this week and right guard David DeCastro (foot) practiced on a limited basis Thursday. The Steelers are already down to their third center because of injuries. Cody Wallace will make his first NFL start against Miami (6-6), and the Steelers will use their sixth starting line combination this season. The team's line is so beat up, rookie quarterback Landry Jones couldn't help but wonder if the number of injures is extreme even in a sport as violent as football. "Landry asked me on the field, 'Is this like normal?' And I'm like, 'No, it's not normal,'" Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said. "We've got guys that are working hard and we remind them all the time that you don't know when your number's going to be called. You've got to be ready to go." Mike Adams (ankle) has practiced both days this week and would likely get the nod at left tackle if Beachum is unable to play. Guy Whimper likely would start at right guard if DeCastro is out. In other Steelers injury news, nose tackle Steve McLendon (ankle) didn't practice for the second consecutive day, while outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) was a full participant. Woodley, who is second on the Steelers with five sacks, has missed the last three games.
|
