The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without Le'Veon Bell for the first three games of the NFL season in 2015, as the league announced that the running back will be suspended for violating substance abuse policy last summer and while the RB will appeal the decision, the Steelers prepared for this by signing DeAngelo Williams in free agency this offseason.
The Steelers were awaiting news about the suspension all offseason, as reports from ESPN and other outlets had the NFL giving Bell "at least" two games for his DUI charge last summer. According to Adam Schefter, Bell will be suspended for the first three games of the season and he also will be docked an extra game check for violating the policy. LeGarrette Blount was with him at the time and he also will be suspended one game for the Patriots.
ESPN writes that Bell plans on appealing the suspension. There is a chance that the suspension could get knocked down to two games or one, but it's unlikely it will be thrown out. John Clayton at ESPN reported earlier in the season that Bell could have been in line for a four game ban due to the drugs involved. The 23 year old has emerged as one of the best young running backs in the league and now fantasy owners should be aware that Bell will be out to start the season most likely.
Bell rushed for 1361 yards last season and eight touchdowns and he also was very productive out of the backfield. Bell added 83 receptions for 854 yards and three touchdowns, giving him over 2000 total yards last season. Bell plated in all 16 games after missing three games in his rookie season. As a rookie Bell showed his potential with 860 yards in 13 games and 45 catches for 399 yards and eight total touchdowns.
Ian Rapoport at NFL.com writes that the Steelers were ready for this news and that is one reason why they signed DeAngelo Williams in the offseason. The team got a fantastic season out of Bell in 2014 and he had one of the highest percentages of offensive position for his team in the league and that will make him hard to replace for the Steelers, even for just three games.
Williams signed a two year deal this offseason with the Steelers and that came after he played in just six games with the Panthers last season. Williams has been very productive in his career, but after dealing with injuries and at his age, the Panthers decided to move on. Williams played in six games last season and had 219 yards rushing while averaging 3.5 yards per carry for Carolina.
