Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, July 3, 2026

Ben Roethlisberger skeptical of Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell is expected to make his NFL debut this week, but Ben Roethlisberger isn’t sure what to make of the rookie.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not sure what to make of rookie running back Le'Veon Bell. During his weekly show on 93.7 The Fan, Roethlisberger admitted that he's skeptical about Bell's effort and durability. Via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"Honestly, I have no idea with him," Roethlisberger said. "You can't get a read on him. One day, he's practicing, one day, he's not; one day, he's going hard, the next day, he's not. I wish I could.


"If he was a guy like Heath Miller that you knew was busting his butt every day to get back there ... Le'Veon is a rookie, I don't know him quite well enough yet. But if he can come back and help us, we'll take him."

Roethlisberger backtracked on his statement after the show, saying he hoped Bell didn’t take it the wrong way.

Bell hasn't played since suffering a foot injury in the third preseason game. He returned to practice last week, and the Steelers are hopeful he can make his season debut against the Minnesota Vikings in London.

Despite Roethlisberger's skepticism, Bell might be the most talented player in Pittsburgh's backfield. The Steelers have just 156 rushing yards through three games, 31st in the league. They have failed to get any production out of a rotating cast of Felix Jones, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman. Bell was being groomed as the workhorse back before the injury, and he should quickly assume that role if his foot is healthy.

More from SB Nation NFL:

Bucs replace Josh Freeman with Mike Glennon | Will Freeman be traded?

Jaguars mascot dances in a thong | #Lookit

Jon Bois: Favre Watch 2014 is on

Nate Burleson breaks arm saving a falling pizza

NFL power rankings: Only 7 undefeated teams left

See More:

More in NFL

From SBNationExternal Link
Who wins the NFC East?Who wins the NFC East?
From SBNationExternal Link
By Mark Schofield
NFL
Brendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFLBrendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFL
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has hit another hurdle on his road to the NFL

By Mark Schofield
NFL
NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026
NFL

A team of NFL players poised to have breakout campaigns in 2026.

By Jarrett Bailey
NFL
Lions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnappingLions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnapping
NFL

The Detroit Lions defender faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa