Running back Le'Veon Bell
IN PHOTO: Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) celebrates his 21-yard touchdown catch with running back Le'Veon Bell (right) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Heinz Field. = REUTERS/Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Le'Veon Bell is set to miss the first three games of the 2015 regular season of the National Football League, or NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back will be suspended and will be fined for violating the NFL Policy Program for Substances of Abuse.

Bell, who will appeal the suspension and who is hoping for a reduced penalty, was charged with marijuana possession and was arrested on driving under the influences, or DUI, charge. In a similar case, LeGarrette Blount of the New England Patriots was also suspended for one game for a drug charge also before the 2014 season when both were teammates with the Steelers.

Bell is the best running back for the Steelers recording 1,361 rushing yards on 290 carries and 854 receiving yards on 83 receptions in full 16 games in the 2014 regular season. Adam Schefter, NFL Insider for ESPN, first reported on Twitter the suspension and probable appeal from the running back.

In Bell’s absence, Pittsburgh will look for contributions from veteran running back DeAngelo Williams, formerly of the Carolina Panthers and whom the Steelers in the 2015 offseason signed. Bell missed the Steelers’ playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC wild-card game where Pittsburgh lost, 30-17 and sorely missed their top running back.

Bell, who is entering his third year in the league, had a breakout season in 2014 when he made the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro First Team. He has 16 career touchdowns, 11 of which coming from the last season.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.

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