Report: Steelers Not Expecting Le'Veon Bell To Return During Bye Week

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Running back Le'Veon Bell is reportedly not expected to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.

Several weeks ago, ESPN reported that Bell would be back during the Bye Week; but now, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that will not happen, according to a source.

He put out this tweet on Monday evening:

Monday was the first day of the Steelers' Bye Week and there were no signs of Bell at team headquarters. There are only two practices this week before the players get four days off.

The team will then resume activities next Monday, Oct. 22.

But, even with the Bell situation still up in the air, the Steelers' other running back, James Conner, continues to do great things. And the Steelers fan base really likes Conner's story, a former University of Pittsburgh standout star.

"I'm from Pitt, and so I'd like to see a Pitt alum be able to have that chance to succeed and show what he could do for the city," said fan Kayla Carr, of Baldwin.

Not only did he beat cancer, but fans also like the "working man's" mentality that Conner brings to the field.

"Played his butt off yesterday," said one fan.

"Conner's doing it, man, you know," said another.

Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to tackle James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The fan base continues to weigh in on the team's running back situation.

"James Conner all the way. Who's Le'Veon?" said fan Karen Urbanowicz, of Bethel Park.

Among the Steelers, it seems Bell's holdout is understood.

"It's a business, man; we all got a job to do. We'll be fine," said guard David DeCastro.

But some fans see it as hurting the team, while others say he's welcome back anytime.

"Bring him out without a doubt, best running back in football," said Dwayne Hewitt, another fan. "Why wouldn't you want to have him?"

"I think you've got to see how he looks in practice," said another fan Michael Rose. "You've got to see how rusty he is."

"He's been out a lot, and I feel it will not work out for the Steelers, and this is my team we're talking about, and I'd appreciate it that they did go with James Conner," said fan Amari Hall.

Conner fans say why chance it. No. 30 has been putting it on tape every week.

"I just think you should give him the reps. He's been working, he's been producing for us. You saw last game, what, he ran for 100 yards," said Daryl Flannery, another fan.

But DeCastro says it could be a good double threat.

"It's a good system to have," he said. "We'll see how it goes, its new territory, and its great to have two capable backs."

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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