Steelers Injury Report: Le'Veon Bell misses Wednesday practice

Steelers injury report: DNP - Mike Adams (ill), Le'Veon Bell (knee), Heath Miller, Ben Roethlisberger. Limited: McLendon and Palmer

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) December 31, 2014

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their first practice in preparation of the AFC Wild Card game at Heinz Field against the rival Baltimore Ravens Wednesday, and the most talked about player in Pittsburgh, Le'Veon Bell, did not participate.

Bell was injured in the Steelers' season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals when safety Reggie Nelson hit him in the knee after catching a pass over the middle of the field. In response to Bell's questionable status for the game Saturday, the Steelers signed free agent running back Ben Tate.

The Steelers are prepared to go into the game Saturday with rookie Josh Harris as the main running back, while Dri Archer and Ben Tate would fill in specific situations as back ups if Bell can't play.

Bell hopes to participate in a larger capacity as the week progresses, but with a short week his time is limited to prove to coaches, and himself, he is capable of playing and being effective for the team.

Other players to miss practice were tackle Mike Adams (illness), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (not injury related) and tight end Heath Miller (not injury related). Nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) and tight end Michael Palmer (groin) were limited participants in practice.

Safety Troy Polamalu (knee) and cornerback Ike Taylor (shoulder/forearm) were full participants in practice, and barring a setback, could be available Saturday vs. the Ravens.