The expectation of the return to action of Le & # 39; Veon Bell could be extended until 2019.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expecting their all-pro player to be reinstated by Tuesday's deadline, according to reports, to make Bell ineligible to play for the rest of the season. .

Bell, 26, has remained out of the team since he was awarded the franchise label for the second year in a row. Passing the season would mean avoiding the rest of the prorated $ 14.54 million salary to which he would be entitled, but that would also protect him from injuries on the ground in his search for a long-term contract as a as a potential free agent for the next season, as a free agent.

Before the end of the week, Steelers owner Art Rooney told Sirius XM on Thursday that the team expected Bell to be on Tuesday.

"I have to start by saying that I do not know what his plans are, but at this point, we expect him to come back next week.We know he's back in Pittsburgh and we so hopefully we can communicate with the weekend and we expect it to be back next week. "

More: Why Pittsburgh Steelers Should Leave The 'Veon Bell On The Bench' It Reports

More: The problem of the All-Pro: how the Pittsburgh Steelers could use The Veh Bell if RB came back

Three times the Pro Bowl and twice the professional player, Bell is one of the most productive backs of the NFL. At 1,946 yards in the fray, he beat Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams (2,093) last season with 406 touchdowns.

Offensive back James Conner had 771 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games. Conner, however, was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol after the 52-21 win on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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