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So this is where we are now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Le’Veon Bell saga.
Players aren’t even angry anymore...at least it doesn’t seem like they are. In fact, the team captain, Ben Roethlisberger, went as far as to poke fun at the ‘reports’ of Bell’s return to the team during the bye week prior to the Week 8 game vs. the Cleveland Browns.
When talking about James Conner’s huge day on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, Roethlisberger couldn’t help but make a comment regarding Conner’s “last day” with the team.
Check out what he said...
Ben Roethlisberger on James Conner, in jest: “What a great game, but I know it’s his last game for us, because Le’Veon’s coming back.” pic.twitter.com/roOcMoEW7c
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 14, 2018
James Conner himself even got in on the jokes after the game with Roethlisberger.
Ben Roethlisberger & James Conner joking in the locker room: "It was nice when it lasted," Roethlisberger said to Conner and Conner repeated it back. 7 later joked during his press conference that it was Conner's last game. Le'Veon Bell is supposed to report Mon. @TheAthleticPGH
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) October 14, 2018
All joking aside, it should be noted how Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting how Bell’s reported return is still news to both the Steelers players and front office, considering they have yet to hear from the talented running back.
Steelers have not heard from Le'Veon Bell that he might report this week, per team source.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 14, 2018
Whether Bell reports this week or not is anyone’s guess, but there is no doubt Conner has silenced the vast majority of his critics on whether or not he can carry the load, and produce, as if No. 26 were in the backfield.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they head into the bye week and then start preparations for the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.