Pittsburgh Steelers Not Sure Of Using Le'Veon Bell Against Baltimore Ravens, Signs Ben Tate As Insurance

Pittsburgh Steelers' Le'Veon Bell is experiencing soreness and pain in his right knee after hyperextending it following a hit by Cincinnati Bengals' Reggie Nelson last Sunday. An MRI test cleared Bell from any ligament damage and the Steelers have faint hopes that the running back suits up for their wild card match against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Coach Mike Tomlin observed that Bell did not suffer any structural damage on his knee and said that the injury is not major. He said that he wouldn't rule Bell out for the Ravens game. But Tomlin noted that Bell will be fielded in only if he can protect himself. He added that even if Bell is medically cleared the Steelers may still opt to sit him. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he doesn't know if the team has to revamp its offense completely if Bell will not be available.

Bell took the hit after he made a 19-yard catch from Roethlisberger in the third quarter. An exchange of words between Tomlin and Nelson ensued, with the latter insisting that his move was a legitimate football play. Bell led the AFC in rushing yards this season with 1,361. He also caught 83 passes, which is the team's single-season record for running backs. His teammates voted him the team's MVP last week. Tomlin said that rookie Josh Harris is his top choice to replace Bell. Harris, along with another rookie running back in their roster, Dri Archer, combined for 19 carries and 56 rushing yards.

As an insurance at running back, the Steelers signed Ben Tate who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers had to release second-year wide receiver Justin Brown to make room for Tate in their 53-man roster. Tate played in just three games for the Vikings this season where he totaled 13 carries for 38 yards. Prior to being waived Cleveland Browns earlier this season, he rushed for 333 yards and averaged 3.1 yards per carry and four touchdowns. Steelers guard Ramon Foster said that Tate has enough experience to make a quick transition and learn the Steelers' offense in time for Saturday. He said that a player of Tate's caliber the team's play can easily learn their plays.