As the Ravens and Steelers were making final preparations for Saturday’s wild-card meeting, Pittsburgh made it official Friday that Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell will not play.
The Steelers ruled out the second-year back after he had missed practices all week due to a hyperextended knee suffered in the regular-season finale against Cincinnati. Bell did not suffer any structural damage, but his status had remained in doubt all week for the first round of the playoffs.
In two games against the Ravens this year, Bell rushed for only 79 yards on 21 carries, but the second-year back caught 10 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Even though Bell finished second in the NFL in rushing yards, it’s his ability as a receiver and pass blocker that the Steelers will really miss against a ferocious pass rush.
“The game plan will change based on how their game plan changes — if it does,” said Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees about Bell’s status earlier this week. “At this point in the season, you have to look at everything that they do and take into account if he plays [and] if he doesn’t play, what might they go to. I can’t sit here with a crystal ball and tell you what they’re going to do, but what we have to do is be ready for whatever they decide to do. Game plan-wise, we just have to adapt to whatever they decide to do.”
Bell’s absence means Pittsburgh will be forced to lean on the trio of Josh Harris, rookie Dri Archer, and newly-signed veteran Ben Tate. Tate is now playing with his third different team this year while Harris and Archer combined to carry 19 times for 56 yards during the regular season.
