Report: Bell plans to report to Steelers during Week 7 bye
All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell plans to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team's Week 7 bye, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Bell has refrained from signing his one-year franchise tag thus far. He does reportedly intend to play for the Steelers this season upon finally inking the deal.
The Steelers are said to be actively shopping the star tailback in trade talks, and his impending return won't dissuade them from listening to offers, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Related: Steelers reportedly want 2nd-round pick, quality player in Bell trade
Bell's absence from the Steelers stems from his inability to secure a big-money, long-term contract. Pittsburgh has used the franchise tag on him two years in a row, preventing him from hitting the open market.
Bell must be signed for at least six games to accrue the necessary service time to become a free agent at the end of the year. The 26-year-old is staying away from the gridiron to reduce the risk of injury before free agency.
The Steelers have gone 1-2-1 without Bell. They'll face the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals over the next two weeks before entering their bye week, and then take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.
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