Earlier today reports surfaced that the Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell could have dodged a gigantic bullet with news of Bell's ACL not being impacted. However, Jason La Confora of CBSSports.com is now reporting the Steelers are planning on placing Bell on season-ending injured reserve pending MRI results.
Steelers expect to put Le'Veon Bell on season ending IR Mon w/ knee injury, pending MRI confirmation. Isaiah Pead in line for roster spot
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 2, 2015
The reports state Bell suffered a torn MCL, not a sprain to the ligament similar to the injury Ben Roethlisberger suffered in Week 3 against the St Louis Rams. The torn ligament would likely require surgery, therefore ending Bell's season with the team already 8 weeks into the regular season.
La Confora also suggested the team would be interested in signing Isaiah Pead, former Rams RB, to fill Bell's roster spot. The only other backs on the roster are DeAngelo Williams, Dri Archer, Jordan Todman, Roosevelt Nix and Will Johnson.
The Steelers won't have to make a knee-jerk reaction on Bell yet, but expect an announcement on his status sometime Monday, and BTSC will have you covered when news unfolds regarding Bell's status for the remainder of the 2015 season.
UPDATE: La Confora isn't the only one now reporting the diagnosis on Bell's MCL tear.
Source: #Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell has a badly torn MCL, along with other damage. He's expected to be out for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2015
With Le'Veon Bell now likely out for the season, Rams RB Isaiah Pead is on his way to Pittsburgh for a tryout, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2015