Steelers' Pouncey confident Bell will return Wednesday: 'Count on it'

The NFL regular season is drawing closer, but Le'Veon Bell's absence from the Pittsburgh Steelers continues.

The star running back has yet to sign his franchise tender after he was slapped with the tag for the second straight season. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said he is "disappointed" Bell's absence has extended beyond Labor Day, but one teammate believes the holdout is drawing to a close.

"He'll be here Wednesday. Count on it," center Maurkice Pouncey said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday.

During last year's standoff, Bell announced he would return to the team by Sept. 1. He reported in great shape and received 13 touches in the team's season opener on Sept. 10.

Pouncey believes there's no reason to worry about Bell's absence this time around.

"Last year he didn't need any (practices) and was best in the league. It's fine," he said. "He showed up last year at the same time. Totally fine, trust me."

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