RB Le'Veon Bell, FA (4 Viewers)

[TheLurkerBelow]

We'll all be concussion experts after a couple more years with these new rules in place

Out of curiosity i wonder, can you be knocked unconscious without having suffered a concussion?

I'd guess he goes through the concussion protocol as a matter of course or precaution and that we hear more about it at the next press conference. The extra time off between games is definitely going to help his chances. Let's hope, for Bell's sake as well as that of the Steelers and our fantasy teams, that it was just a minor event.

 

[TheFanatic]

We'll all be concussion experts after a couple more years with these new rules in place

Out of curiosity i wonder, can you be knocked unconscious without having suffered a concussion?

I'd guess he goes through the concussion protocol as a matter of course or precaution and that we hear more about it at the next press conference. The extra time off between games is definitely going to help his chances. Let's hope, for Bell's sake as well as that of the Steelers and our fantasy teams, that it was just a minor event.

Isn't a concussion the swelling of the brain from trauma to the head? I'm not sure if you can get knocked the F out and not be concussed.

 

[FF Ninja]

A couple of things here:

Dwyer has averaged 4.1 YPC, but in week 9, with around 2 minutes left in the half, the Steelers got the ball. NE was up by several scores & were in a prevent defense. Dwyer got a 30 yard gain. Obviously the run counts, but the fact is that he has had a relatively small number of carries this year. If you discount that 1 long run against a team in a prevent defense, Dwyer has averaged 3.3 YPC (exactly the same as Bell). Furthermore, Dwyer gets fewer short yardage carries than Bell. He has 7 short yardage carries this year (3rd/4th down, 1-3 yards or less), and has a 3.7 YPC in those situations, while Bell has 12 such carries, with a 5.1 YPC. Finally, Pittsburgh cut Dwyer this season, it wasn't until after Bell (then Stephens-Howlings) cut hurt, that they re-signed him. From what I've read, this has more to do with Dwyer's conditioning and work ethic than anything else, but it is a valid point to be considered.

But thanks for the post; this is the kind of info/discussion that actually makes the SP valuable.

You are right and I kind of figured there may have been a long run to skew his YPC given the small sample size, but keep in mind that Dwyer averaged 4.0 ypc on 156 carries last year while this offensive line was just as much of a dumpster fire if not more so. Additionally, last year was the first year of this offense so, in theory, they should be executing a bit better this year.

If Dwyer has 7 short yardage carries in just 36 attempts and Bell has 12 in 159, then relatively speaking short yardage situations impact Dwyer's stats much more which is what I was trying to get across. Bell's 5.1 ypc in his 12 attempts is greatly impacted by his 43 yard run on 3rd and 2 in week 13. Prior to that, he had 11 carries in short yardage for a total of 18 yards (1.6 ypc) so I wouldn't crown him as a better short yardage back yet.

I'm glad you brought up that Dwyer was cut. If a guy who was cut is performing similarly as a runner, that can't bode too well for Bell. It probably doesn't mean much, but it is best to look at all the information available when trying to read the tea leaves this early in a guy's career.

Good points here.

I will add, though, that last year's O-line was not as bad as this years. They let Starks and Colon go, and hoped the young O-linemen they've drafted the last few years would step up, but they haven't done so.

Colon is starting for the Jets, but Starks isn't even on a roster, I believe, so I'm not sure we can speak definitively on which line was better. I'd be interested in seeing some PFF run blocking stats now that I'm thinking about it. Previously I was just speaking from personal memory of Pit being bad and suffering injuries last year on the o-line.

This is a worthwhile situation to figure out. If Bell is legit, he could be a nice value play next year. But right now I'm not willing to bet on it. Next year if their ADPs are similar, I'd probably take the other 3 ypc wonder... Trent. But a lot will depend on what kind of moves both teams make in at the RB and OL positions.

 

[fantasycurse42]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/12/report-steelers-rb-leveon-bell-limited-monday-in-practice/

Bell limited in practice...

 

[Bayhawks]

A couple of things here:

Dwyer has averaged 4.1 YPC, but in week 9, with around 2 minutes left in the half, the Steelers got the ball. NE was up by several scores & were in a prevent defense. Dwyer got a 30 yard gain. Obviously the run counts, but the fact is that he has had a relatively small number of carries this year. If you discount that 1 long run against a team in a prevent defense, Dwyer has averaged 3.3 YPC (exactly the same as Bell). Furthermore, Dwyer gets fewer short yardage carries than Bell. He has 7 short yardage carries this year (3rd/4th down, 1-3 yards or less), and has a 3.7 YPC in those situations, while Bell has 12 such carries, with a 5.1 YPC. Finally, Pittsburgh cut Dwyer this season, it wasn't until after Bell (then Stephens-Howlings) cut hurt, that they re-signed him. From what I've read, this has more to do with Dwyer's conditioning and work ethic than anything else, but it is a valid point to be considered.

But thanks for the post; this is the kind of info/discussion that actually makes the SP valuable.

You are right and I kind of figured there may have been a long run to skew his YPC given the small sample size, but keep in mind that Dwyer averaged 4.0 ypc on 156 carries last year while this offensive line was just as much of a dumpster fire if not more so. Additionally, last year was the first year of this offense so, in theory, they should be executing a bit better this year.

If Dwyer has 7 short yardage carries in just 36 attempts and Bell has 12 in 159, then relatively speaking short yardage situations impact Dwyer's stats much more which is what I was trying to get across. Bell's 5.1 ypc in his 12 attempts is greatly impacted by his 43 yard run on 3rd and 2 in week 13. Prior to that, he had 11 carries in short yardage for a total of 18 yards (1.6 ypc) so I wouldn't crown him as a better short yardage back yet.

I'm glad you brought up that Dwyer was cut. If a guy who was cut is performing similarly as a runner, that can't bode too well for Bell. It probably doesn't mean much, but it is best to look at all the information available when trying to read the tea leaves this early in a guy's career.

Good points here.

I will add, though, that last year's O-line was not as bad as this years. They let Starks and Colon go, and hoped the young O-linemen they've drafted the last few years would step up, but they haven't done so.

Colon is starting for the Jets, but Starks isn't even on a roster, I believe, so I'm not sure we can speak definitively on which line was better. I'd be interested in seeing some PFF run blocking stats now that I'm thinking about it. Previously I was just speaking from personal memory of Pit being bad and suffering injuries last year on the o-line.

This is a worthwhile situation to figure out. If Bell is legit, he could be a nice value play next year. But right now I'm not willing to bet on it. Next year if their ADPs are similar, I'd probably take the other 3 ypc wonder... Trent. But a lot will depend on what kind of moves both teams make in at the RB and OL positions.

I'm not talking about stats, which I find somewhat inconclusive with regards to O-linemen, anyway.

I live in a Pitt market, and I don't have direct TV, or Sunday Ticket, so the only games I get to watch live on a regular basis are Steeler games. It's not my first choice, but that is the way it is.

Watching the O-line last year, and the O-line this year, last year's was better (they weren't great, but this year's is worse). Last year, at least, they were able to get a semi-consistent push in the run game, even if the pass-blocking was sub-par. This year, the opposing Defense is very often able to get a significant push into the offensive backfield; and I'm not saying just 1 linemen letting his man get penetration, but multiple defenders on a lot of plays are in the backfield.

With regards to your comments about Trent, you may be right. If both were available in the middle rounds, I'd probably be tempted to go with Trent (although what happens in the off-season with the OC, Brown, etc would impact that).

If Bell is available later than Trent, than obviously, I'd go with Bell.

That being said, from a personal standpoint, I'm not talking about relative value (*as I have Bell in a keeper), I just brought up Richardson's name, because a lot of the things being said about Bell were said about Trent in the offseason.

 

[Bayhawks]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/12/report-steelers-rb-leveon-bell-limited-monday-in-practice/

Bell limited in practice...

While this sounds like good news, I wonder what "limited" means? I was under the impression that guys in the concussion protocol couldn't do anything until Wednesday? Am I incorrect there? Does the fact that it is a Thursday game change that day?

Anyone with information about the NFL concussion protocol, please share it.

 

[moondog]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/12/report-steelers-rb-leveon-bell-limited-monday-in-practice/

Bell limited in practice...

While this sounds like good news, I wonder what "limited" means? I was under the impression that guys in the concussion protocol couldn't do anything until Wednesday? Am I incorrect there? Does the fact that it is a Thursday game change that day?

Anyone with information about the NFL concussion protocol, please share it.

All players have to have their practice status listed as either Full, Limited, or Did Not Practice after every practice. For example ,Gronkowski is always listed as Limited.

 

[mbuehner]

We'll all be concussion experts after a couple more years with these new rules in place

Out of curiosity i wonder, can you be knocked unconscious without having suffered a concussion?

I'd guess he goes through the concussion protocol as a matter of course or precaution and that we hear more about it at the next press conference. The extra time off between games is definitely going to help his chances. Let's hope, for Bell's sake as well as that of the Steelers and our fantasy teams, that it was just a minor event.

Isn't a concussion the swelling of the brain from trauma to the head? I'm not sure if you can get knocked the F out and not be concussed.

I'm not sure you can play a game in the NFL and not be concussed, its all a spectrum.

 

[mbuehner]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/12/report-steelers-rb-leveon-bell-limited-monday-in-practice/

Bell limited in practice...

While this sounds like good news, I wonder what "limited" means? I was under the impression that guys in the concussion protocol couldn't do anything until Wednesday? Am I incorrect there? Does the fact that it is a Thursday game change that day?

Anyone with information about the NFL concussion protocol, please share it.

All players have to have their practice status listed as either Full, Limited, or Did Not Practice after every practice. For example ,Gronkowski is always listed as Limited.

Tom Brady has been questionable for 12 years running.

 

[FF Ninja]

I'm not talking about stats, which I find somewhat inconclusive with regards to O-linemen, anyway.

I live in a Pitt market, and I don't have direct TV, or Sunday Ticket, so the only games I get to watch live on a regular basis are Steeler games. It's not my first choice, but that is the way it is.

Watching the O-line last year, and the O-line this year, last year's was better (they weren't great, but this year's is worse). Last year, at least, they were able to get a semi-consistent push in the run game, even if the pass-blocking was sub-par. This year, the opposing Defense is very often able to get a significant push into the offensive backfield; and I'm not saying just 1 linemen letting his man get penetration, but multiple defenders on a lot of plays are in the backfield.

With regards to your comments about Trent, you may be right. If both were available in the middle rounds, I'd probably be tempted to go with Trent (although what happens in the off-season with the OC, Brown, etc would impact that).

If Bell is available later than Trent, than obviously, I'd go with Bell.

That being said, from a personal standpoint, I'm not talking about relative value (*as I have Bell in a keeper), I just brought up Richardson's name, because a lot of the things being said about Bell were said about Trent in the offseason.

If this is true, then the stats will back that up. I'm not doubting you. Just saying I'd like to see some PFF stats on run blocking before I concede that the run blocking is worse than last year because it was really bad last year.

 

[Bayhawks]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/12/report-steelers-rb-leveon-bell-limited-monday-in-practice/

Bell limited in practice...

While this sounds like good news, I wonder what "limited" means? I was under the impression that guys in the concussion protocol couldn't do anything until Wednesday? Am I incorrect there? Does the fact that it is a Thursday game change that day?

Anyone with information about the NFL concussion protocol, please share it.

All players have to have their practice status listed as either Full, Limited, or Did Not Practice after every practice. For example ,Gronkowski is always listed as Limited.

I know this, I was specifically speaking to the NFL's concussion protocol.

For what it's worth, it seems Bell did some running today, and that he took an IMPACT test yesterday. That leads one to believe that he "passed" that test, if he was allowed to do anything physical today.

 

[Bayhawks]

I'm not talking about stats, which I find somewhat inconclusive with regards to O-linemen, anyway.

I live in a Pitt market, and I don't have direct TV, or Sunday Ticket, so the only games I get to watch live on a regular basis are Steeler games. It's not my first choice, but that is the way it is.

Watching the O-line last year, and the O-line this year, last year's was better (they weren't great, but this year's is worse). Last year, at least, they were able to get a semi-consistent push in the run game, even if the pass-blocking was sub-par. This year, the opposing Defense is very often able to get a significant push into the offensive backfield; and I'm not saying just 1 linemen letting his man get penetration, but multiple defenders on a lot of plays are in the backfield.

With regards to your comments about Trent, you may be right. If both were available in the middle rounds, I'd probably be tempted to go with Trent (although what happens in the off-season with the OC, Brown, etc would impact that).

If Bell is available later than Trent, than obviously, I'd go with Bell.

That being said, from a personal standpoint, I'm not talking about relative value (*as I have Bell in a keeper), I just brought up Richardson's name, because a lot of the things being said about Bell were said about Trent in the offseason.

If this is true, then the stats will back that up. I'm not doubting you. Just saying I'd like to see some PFF stats on run blocking before I concede that the run blocking is worse than last year because it was really bad last year.

Maybe, maybe not.

If a DE sacks the QB, it could be because he just plain beat the OT. Or, it could be because the QB was Ben Roethlisberger, and held onto the ball for 7 seconds (trying to make a big play), allowing the DE to get a sack, despite the OT doing a great job of protecting him for 7 seconds. Either way, it is recorded as the OT giving up a sack.

Similarly, if McCoy reverses his field to gain 10 yards on a play where the O-line blew their assignments, it looks, according to the stats, like a good job by the O-line; while if the O-line does their job and opens a hole, but the RB doesn't hit it decisively & only gains 2 yards, it looks, according to the stats, like the O-line did a poor job.

Anyway, my "evaluation" of the 2012 & 2013 Steeler's O-line is based on what I've seen, not on any stats that I've looked at.

 

[Adam Harstad]

I'm not talking about stats, which I find somewhat inconclusive with regards to O-linemen, anyway.

I live in a Pitt market, and I don't have direct TV, or Sunday Ticket, so the only games I get to watch live on a regular basis are Steeler games. It's not my first choice, but that is the way it is.

Watching the O-line last year, and the O-line this year, last year's was better (they weren't great, but this year's is worse). Last year, at least, they were able to get a semi-consistent push in the run game, even if the pass-blocking was sub-par. This year, the opposing Defense is very often able to get a significant push into the offensive backfield; and I'm not saying just 1 linemen letting his man get penetration, but multiple defenders on a lot of plays are in the backfield.

With regards to your comments about Trent, you may be right. If both were available in the middle rounds, I'd probably be tempted to go with Trent (although what happens in the off-season with the OC, Brown, etc would impact that).

If Bell is available later than Trent, than obviously, I'd go with Bell.

That being said, from a personal standpoint, I'm not talking about relative value (*as I have Bell in a keeper), I just brought up Richardson's name, because a lot of the things being said about Bell were said about Trent in the offseason.

If this is true, then the stats will back that up. I'm not doubting you. Just saying I'd like to see some PFF stats on run blocking before I concede that the run blocking is worse than last year because it was really bad last year.

PFF graded Pittsburgh out at -34.9 in run blocking last year, and at -37.1 in run blocking this year with four more games to go (pace projects out to -49.5 over a full 16 games). Didn't bother going through and manually sorting out how much of that was the OL and how much was the WRs/TEs, but it seems PFF at least agrees with the idea that Pittsburgh managed to get worse.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Speaking Tuesday, coach Mike Tomlin said Le'Veon Bell (concussion) "looks good."

Tomlin acknowledged that Bell still has some tests to pass, but his comments suggest that the rookie is on track to get cleared ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. We'll now just have to watch for setbacks through the week of practice. It's something of a surprise after Bell suffered memory loss following a scary helmet-to-helmet collision with Ravens CB Jimmy Smith on Thanksgiving. Desperate owners in need of an emergency handcuff can add Jonathan Dwyer.

Related: Felix Jones, Jonathan Dwyer

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Le'Veon Bell (concussion) said he's not sure if he'll be able to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Bell was knocked out by Jimmy Smith late in the Thanksgiving night loss to the Ravens. He said he doesn't remember the play, but added that he hasn't had many lingering effects. The rookie was spotted doing some running on Monday, which means he's at least been cleared for exercise. The next step will be to get cleared for Wednesday's practice. "I'm going to take it day by day and see where we're at," Bell said Monday. "The goal is obviously to play, but if [i'm] not able to, I'm not able to." Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones would share the workload in a low-upside committee if Bell ends up sitting Sunday. Dwyer would be the better add as the potential goal-line back.

Related: Felix Jones, Jonathan Dwyer

Source: ESPN.com

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Le'Veon Bell (concussion) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Phenomenal news. Six days after getting knocked out cold and admitting he didn't remember the play, Bell is back on the field. This puts him right on track to start Sunday against the Dolphins. However, we'll still need to monitor Bell throughout the week to make sure he doesn't suffer any setbacks. For now, pencil Bell into fantasy lineups as a mid-to-high RB2 against Miami.


Source: Aditi Kinkhabwala on Twitter

 

[DoubleG]

It's a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!!!1!!

(as a Jordan Reed owner I am shuked)

 

[Kwai Chang Caine]

Stunning that he'll play it seems.

 

[kyoun1e]

Would be curious to know who is rolling the dice in leagues where rosters are locked starting tonight.

Especially if you have an option like say, Ben Tate who will play tonight.

L. Bell has more upside vs. MIA run D, but could also pull a J. Reed come gametime.

 

[TheLurkerBelow]

Would be curious to know who is rolling the dice in leagues where rosters are locked starting tonight.

Especially if you have an option like say, Ben Tate who will play tonight.

L. Bell has more upside vs. MIA run D, but could also pull a J. Reed come gametime.

Since he's practicing in full then I don't think there's any "rolling the dice". He'll play barring any head injury in practice.

 

[Koya]

Would be curious to know who is rolling the dice in leagues where rosters are locked starting tonight.

Especially if you have an option like say, Ben Tate who will play tonight.

L. Bell has more upside vs. MIA run D, but could also pull a J. Reed come gametime.

Since he's practicing in full then I don't think there's any "rolling the dice". He'll play barring any head injury in practice.

With concussions there is always some risk... and it was mentioned (forget where) that he still needs to complete a few tests today, tomorrow and game day to be fully cleared for the game. Certainly worth it if you have Dwyer as an emergency plug in (or another option that's a #3/low #2 RB at least).

Tonight's game, crappy as it is, makes things tough for those of us with MJD, Tate or one of he QB's in a superflex situation (no way you'd start either in a one qb league)

 

[fantasycurse42]

Would be curious to know who is rolling the dice in leagues where rosters are locked starting tonight.

Especially if you have an option like say, Ben Tate who will play tonight.

L. Bell has more upside vs. MIA run D, but could also pull a J. Reed come gametime.

I've got Tate and am really struggling with this. Sure he is practicing in full, but he got walloped in Balt and there is always the possibility of a setback.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Jax is still 29th overall in run D. I can see being scared after what happened the last time they met, but it seems pretty clear that Tate is the man there and it is still a good matchup. I think that Bell is safe, but if you have a concern about it, Tate seems like a good option.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Jax is still 29th overall in run D. I can see being scared after what happened the last time they met, but it seems pretty clear that Tate is the man there and it is still a good matchup. I think that Bell is safe, but if you have a concern about it, Tate seems like a good option.

I was predicting 100/1 before they played Jax last time

Can't really afford another 1 yard performance - I hate Kubiack so much too... He'll just bring in Johnson bc he is a ####!

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Can you afford 102 with 3 TDs?

 

[fantasycurse42]

Can you afford 102 with 3 TDs?

What if he turns into a pumpkin again? That was really his only good game since Foster got hurt.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Can you afford 102 with 3 TDs?

What if he turns into a pumpkin again? That was really his only good game since FosterTate got hurt.

Fixed your post.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Can you afford 102 with 3 TDs?

What if he turns into a pumpkin again? That was really his only good game since FosterTate got hurt.

Fixed your post.

He is still dinged up, not really following your point? He hasn't been good except for one game...

 

[Adam Harstad]

Can you afford 102 with 3 TDs?

What if he turns into a pumpkin again? That was really his only good game since FosterTate got hurt.

Fixed your post.

He is still dinged up, not really following your point? He hasn't been good except for one game...

My point is that injuries heal, so if Tate's best game since his injury was also his most recent game since his injury, then that's a positive indicator.

 

[TheFanatic]

In the past, defenders would lower the helmet and try to ring the bell (sorry for the pun) of a player who got concussed the week before. But now that is a major penalty. They still may risk the penalty to knock out the RB.

 

[The Hank]

RB Le'Veon Bell has been cleared for Sunday per @DVEMike (Mike Prisuta - Steelers beat reporter)

 

[fantasycurse42]

RB Le'Veon Bell has been cleared for Sunday per @DVEMike (Mike Prisuta - Steelers beat reporter)

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Did anyone ever clarify if he was cleared so early because they played on Thursday? Is it a certain number of days after the concussion occurred?

 

[fantasycurse42]

Did anyone ever clarify if he was cleared so early because they played on Thursday? Is it a certain number of days after the concussion occurred?

Good question right here...

I mean, players have played the following Sunday after they received a concussion & this being the same time period one could assume that.

Regardless, Tate rides the pine. At this juncture, I think anyone with a Thursday decision vs Bell on Sunday is worth risking.

Back to back full practices, still searching for medical clearance link.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8390/leveon-bell

 

[kerosenedan]

Is it reasonable to think that Bell will play well this week? Between his banged up line and concussion, this has to be a rough week coming up, right?

Concussion confirmed here: http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/3162/leveon-bell-practices-for-steelers)

Also from that article:

"Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee), right guard David DeCastro (foot) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (ankle) all missed the Steelers’ first practice of the week. Beachum and DeCastro are questionable for Sunday and if they don’t play the Steelers will have three new starters on their offensive line.

Cody Wallace will make his first career NFL start, taking over for Fernando Velasco, who is out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Velasco was at the Steelers’ practice facility Wednesday getting medical treatment."

 

[fantasycurse42]

Is it reasonable to think that Bell will play well this week? Between his banged up line and concussion, this has to be a rough week coming up, right?

Concussion confirmed here: http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/3162/leveon-bell-practices-for-steelers)

Also from that article:

"Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee), right guard David DeCastro (foot) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (ankle) all missed the Steelers’ first practice of the week. Beachum and DeCastro are questionable for Sunday and if they don’t play the Steelers will have three new starters on their offensive line.

Cody Wallace will make his first career NFL start, taking over for Fernando Velasco, who is out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Velasco was at the Steelers’ practice facility Wednesday getting medical treatment."

In a PPR league, I think it is hard to have many better options... For standard I'd be a little more skeptical. Dolphins have a pretty low ranking run defense (25):

25 Miami 348 1461 4.2 11 121.8 They are also ranked 9th in pass defense... Have to think Bell gets some good work in this one... Must win game too for the Steelers.

 

[TeeDub]

I like le'veon bell and his consistency but do any of you guys think he's being just a little too hyped up for this week? He's only averaging about 15 points in PPR and has only had 1 monster game.

I'm starting him but to me he seems to be getting a whole lot of hype this week

 

[fantasycurse42]

I like le'veon bell and his consistency but do any of you guys think he's being just a little too hyped up for this week? He's only averaging about 15 points in PPR and has only had 1 monster game.

I'm starting him but to me he seems to be getting a whole lot of hype this week

He is my flex... Very happy for 15 a game from either my flex or RB2. Guy has been the model of consistency which is much more important than a streaky player this time of year.

My

 

[mbuehner]

Is it reasonable to think that Bell will play well this week? Between his banged up line and concussion, this has to be a rough week coming up, right?

If there is one nice thing about a concussion, especially for a RB, it doesn't really 'linger' at least as far as football performance. If he was taking an SAT I might be concerned, but if he clears the concussion protocols there is no real reason to worry about it affecting his performance. Now thats not to say he isn't at additional risk for another concussion (although I believe the science on that isnt as certain as conventional wisdom makes it out to be). So short of getting another concussion and being pulled from the game, it shouldnt be an issue at all. That being said, another concussion and medically required benching is a real risk. But its an either/or thing, he isn't going to be limited while on the field because of what happened last week.

As far as the line, the Steelers o-line has been atrocious for a couple years running. Not really anything new there I think.

 

[The Hank]

Rumors from Steelers beat writers say that Mike Adams will start at LT and Wallace at C -- team is holding out hope that DeCastro can possibly play on Sunday, Beachum they are much more pessimistic on.

 

[Koya]

I like le'veon bell and his consistency but do any of you guys think he's being just a little too hyped up for this week? He's only averaging about 15 points in PPR and has only had 1 monster game.

I'm starting him but to me he seems to be getting a whole lot of hype this week

I think the hype is emanating from the confluence of a big week last week (against a very tough D), his continued general consistency and a nice matchup... further boosted by a tough Miami pass defense.

 

[Koya]

Pitt homers and those in the know - even with the medical clearance, is there any hint that Dwyer may get an expanded role or perhaps goaline carries to protect Bell? Could be a deciding factor for close cls

 

[Bayhawks]

Pitt homers and those in the know - even with the medical clearance, is there any hint that Dwyer may get an expanded role or perhaps goaline carries to protect Bell? Could be a deciding factor for close cls

I haven't heard/read anything to that effect. The Steelers seem really down on Dwyer/high on Bell (or some combo of the two). Dwyer rarely gets a lot of work since Bell started playing. Nothing local from this week seems to indicate that will change this week.

For the record, Bell hasn't yet been cleared to play Sunday. That report was erroneous. He has one more test he must pass, according to the NFL's concussion protocol. He will be evaluated after today's practice. There hasn't been any reports about what that evaluation entails, or when it will be completed.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/05/leveon-bell-cleared-for-full-practice/

 

[MAC_32]

Pitt homers and those in the know - even with the medical clearance, is there any hint that Dwyer may get an expanded role or perhaps goaline carries to protect Bell? Could be a deciding factor for close cls

See, last year. Regardless of Bell's status, don't start Dwyer.

 

[Koya]

Pitt homers and those in the know - even with the medical clearance, is there any hint that Dwyer may get an expanded role or perhaps goaline carries to protect Bell? Could be a deciding factor for close cls

See, last year. Regardless of Bell's status, don't start Dwyer.

Some may not have any other options and at the last minute if Bell somehow doesn't go, where do you go? Im not a fan of Dwyer at all, but he's more likely than Jones to get carries against a beatable D, not to mention goal line looks, correct? It would be a desperation play, but sometimes that's a reality even if you try to avoid it.

(Personally, I'd be forced to go Montee Ball, but have Dwyer just in case)

 

[Bayhawks]

Pitt homers and those in the know - even with the medical clearance, is there any hint that Dwyer may get an expanded role or perhaps goaline carries to protect Bell? Could be a deciding factor for close cls

See, last year. Regardless of Bell's status, don't start Dwyer.

Some may not have any other options and at the last minute if Bell somehow doesn't go, where do you go? Im not a fan of Dwyer at all, but he's more likely than Jones to get carries against a beatable D, not to mention goal line looks, correct? It would be a desperation play, but sometimes that's a reality even if you try to avoid it.

(Personally, I'd be forced to go Montee Ball, but have Dwyer just in case)

Since Bell has been the main RB in Pitt, Jones has more touches than Dwyer, but in the last few weeks, Dwyer has 17 touches to Jones' 8 (although neither had any touches against Baltimore).

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

His usage against Baltimore was unprecedented. In previous weeks, Bell was spelled for entire series by Jones and occasionally Dwyer. Bell was averaging 3.2 YPC for the season coming into the Baltimore game.

Against Baltimore, he was in every series, and he averaged 4.6 YPC.

I can see the utilization and YPC regressing closer to season averages for the remaining 4 games. The game was on Thanksgiving, against Baltimore, in a game that was extremely critical to their season. Which, unfortunately they lost. All of those factors, not as much the concussion, lead me to believe he splits a bit more time this week, as he was doing in the weeks prior to the Baltimore game.

 

[Bayhawks]

His usage against Baltimore was unprecedented. In previous weeks, Bell was spelled for entire series by Jones and occasionally Dwyer. Bell was averaging 3.2 YPC for the season coming into the Baltimore game.

Against Baltimore, he was in every series, and he averaged 4.6 YPC.

I can see the utilization and YPC regressing closer to season averages for the remaining 4 games. The game was on Thanksgiving, against Baltimore, in a game that was extremely critical to their season. Which, unfortunately they lost. All of those factors, not as much the concussion, lead me to believe he splits a bit more time this week, as he was doing in the weeks prior to the Baltimore game.

While this is true, it doesn't actually tell the whole story.

While Bell was being spelled from time to time, neither Jones or Dwyer were getting significant touches. Since Bell has been the main RB, neither Jones or Dwyer has more than 7 touches in a single game. Furthermore, the two of them combined haven't had more than 11 touches in a single game since Bell's been back (and in that game where they got 11 touches, Bell had 25).

Bell has received 78% of the RB touches since he became the main RB. I don't see that drastically changing.

 

[The Hank]

DeCastro will play Sunday -- listed as Probable.

 

[Bayhawks]

According to this:

http://fansided.com/2013/12/06/steelers-rb-leveon-bell-fully-cleared-start-vs-dolphins/

Bell has been cleared to play and is listed as probable for Sunday.

 

[TheFanatic]

According to this:

http://fansided.com/2013/12/06/steelers-rb-leveon-bell-fully-cleared-start-vs-dolphins/

Bell has been cleared to play and is listed as probable for Sunday.

I'm glad he is feeling better and am also quite happy that he will be starting for both the Steelers and my fantasy team!