As if injuries aren’t already bad enough for the Steelers, they suffered yet another hit to the team this afternoon. Rookie running back Le’Veon Bell is believed to have suffered a Lisfranc injury during Monday nights game against the Washington Redskins.
While staying healthy has been something the Steelers have had trouble doing this past offseason, and current preseason, the loss of Bell might be the biggest one. He missed the team’s first preseason game against the Giants due to a left knee injury and was taken out of Monday nights game after one drive due to an injured foot.
His injury may require surgery, and surgery on a Lisfranc sprain could take 6-10 weeks of recovery. Tight end Matt Spaeth suffered a very similar injury during training camp.
Bell isn’t the first running back to be injured so far this preseason for the Steelers. Issac Redman (stinger), Larod Stephens-Howling (knee), Baron Batch (stinger), and Will Johnson (bruised ribs) have all fought injuries thus far.
Bell was expected to be one of the top contributors to the offense and now due to his injury, the Steelers will rely mainly on Jonathan Dwyer and Issac Redman to carry the load while Bell is out. Batch and Stephens-Howling can also help out in the rushing game. Dwyer had a solid showing in Monday nights game against the Redskins, rushing for 68 yards on 14 carries.
The rookie back from Michigan State was the Steelers second round pick in April’s draft, and was expected to be the primary running back for the Steelers this upcoming regular season.
UPDATE:
Doctors are projecting 6-8 week absence for #Steelers rookie RB Le’Veon Bell with a Lissfranc injury. Hopeful rest will allow him to return
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 21, 2013