The Pittsburgh Steelers may need to begin making preparations for the loss of electrifying running back, Le'Veon Bell.
Bell, per a report from John Clayton of ESPN, is expected to be suspended by the NFL for at least the first two regular season games next year.
Bell, along with former Steelers teammate, LeGarrette Blount, was arrested in August after police smelled marijuana in their vehicle.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed earlier this month that Bell had been entered into a court-mandated 15-month "probationary program" that will require Bell to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
"Bell, 22, was admitted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program before Common Pleas Judge Robert C. Gallo," writes Paula Reed Ward of the Post-Gazette. "The ARD program is for first-time offenders of nonviolent crimes, where charges can be dismissed and expunged if the defendant fulfills certain requirements."
Bell is also required to complete a safe driving class, as his driver's license has been suspended for 60 days.
"He's relieved to have the matter finally resolved with the opportunity to earn dismissal and expungement," Bell's attorney, Robert Del Greco said, via the Post-Gazette. "I expect Le'Veon will not be a repeat offender."
While Bell will most likely avoid any further legal issues, it seems the NFL's increased crack-down on substance-abuse will lead to his suspension.
Steelers GM Kevin Colbert admitted Monday, per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, that the team was making plans should Bell, in fact, be suspended by the league.
Pittsburgh sorely missed Bell's contribution in their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past postseason, with veteran pickup Ben Tate and NFL neophyte Josh Harris failing to provide the same type of impact from the backfield that Bell had throughout the regular season.
Bell finished this year with 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also the team's second-leading receiver, with 83 catches for 854 yards.
For the Steelers and their fans, Week 3 of next season probably won't be able to come quick enough.
