:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17764211/20130507_kkt_al8_378.0.jpg)
Bell was a late scratch from the lineup Saturday when the Steelers lost 18-15 to the New York Giants. LaRod Stephens-Howling took the glory, rushing seven times for 40 yards in the loss.
Bell's debut was highly anticipated to begin with, and it having been delayed a week will only intensify the microscope under which the rookie is preparing for the season. A second-round pick from Michigan State, Bell is reportedly having an excellent training camp, and is the odds-on favorite to land the starting job when the season begins.
With Stephens-Howling - a free agent acquisition this offseason expected to provide a change-of-pace look and special teams productions to the Steelers this year - having gotten a good look, as well as Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch having received carries, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Bell and veteran Isaac Redman get the bulk of the carries against the Redskins.
Bell has a knee injury that isn't expected to be serious, but given the time of the year, making sure he's 100 percent before putting him on the field in a live situation may be the wiser course of action.
It would only delay his debut, and continue building his hype.
More from Behind the Steel Curtain:
- Steelers Postgame News and Analysis
- Steelers offensive line gives reason for optimisim
- Woods gets high grade from PFF
- Polamalu accepts blame for Cruz's touchdown
- "The Standard ... is the standard"
- Polamalu: Steelers lost camaraderie in 2012
- Dallas Clark is a tight end, Steelers need a tight end
- Bruce Gradkowski homecoming shows Steelers are stable with their primary back-up
- Steelers rookie report card after 18-13 loss to Giants
- Steelers back-up quarterbacks fail to impress
- Steelers emphasized short passing game in preseason opener
- Steelers Injury Report: Spaeth had surgery, Sylvester listed day-to-day
- Steelers Roster Bubble: Linebacker, running back got a lot more competitive