The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without one of their most vital offensive weapons to start the 2016 season. On Friday ESPN writer Dan Graziano reported that running back Le'Veon Bell is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. However, according to Graziano, the suspension is the result of a missed drug test, not a failed test.
"The reason it hasn't yet been announced is that the appeal process is still going on." Graziano reports. "No date for Bell's appeal has been set, though it's expected that it will be heard before the start of the regular season, meaning that if it's not overturned, he would miss the first four games of the season."
According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers saw this one coming.
For the past several weeks, the #Steelers had known Le'Veon Bell likely wouldn't be on the field when the season began. He missed drug tests
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
Bell was suspended for the first two games of the 2015 season for a violation of the policy on substances of abuse after he was arrested for marijuana possession and DUI in the summer of 2014. Bell played in just six games last season, rushing for 2,777 yards and 19 touchdowns. His appeal is expected to be heard before the season begins.
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