When healthy, Le’Veon Bell is as good as any offensive player in the NFL. But staying on the field has been an issue at times for the Pittsburgh Steelers running back.
The Pro Bowler has dealt with an ailment of some sort during each of his first three seasons, including last year’s season-ending ligament tear after just six games.
Bell is now hoping his injury luck is about to change in 2016.
“My luck hopefully should change this year and I’m on the field and there’s nothing freaky,” Bell said, via ESPN. “Obviously, just take care of my body and do the little things right.”
After a blistering start in 2015, Bell tore his MCL during a sideline tackle and missed the rest of the season. In 2014, a hyper-extended knee in Week 17 cost Bell a chance to play in the playoffs, and he dealt with both foot and head injuries as a rookie in 2013.
Overall, Bell has missed 13 regular-season games and three postseason games over three years in the NFL.
But he’s been an undeniable force when on the field.
Through 35 career games, Bell has rushed for almost 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also averaging 4.3 yards per carry and totaling 152 receptions.
He now wants to play tough and smart, especially in vulnerable areas like near the sideline.
“I’m going to be physical,” Bell said. “I just know when I’m on the sideline, I can’t expect somebody to push me out of bounds. I’ve just got to take everything. I can’t take nothing for granted. Either get out of bounds or continue to finish the play.”
Bell is as good as the NFL has to offer at the running back position, but we’ve never seen what he could accomplish for the Steelers over a full season, including the playoffs. Maybe 2016 is the year the NFL will get a full dose of one of the game’s most electric players.
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