Bell's Coming Return

One of the biggest stories of this NFL Season has been Le'Veon Bell. The star running back for the Steelers was one of those who was given the Franchise Tag in the off-season. He hoped for a long-term contract, but it didn't come.

Then speculation began about when, or if, he'd report to play. He gave Social Media posts that seemed like he would be there for Week 1. But he wasn't. Instead, second-year back James Connor came in and took the role of lead back.

This created an interesting situation in real football, and in fantasy football. Bell had been taken at the top of most fantasy drafts, so his absence was a blow to many. Unless you had Connor. In 10 weeks, he's rushed for 771 yards and 10 TDs, and has caught 39 passes for 387 yards and another TD. In fact, he now has more rushing touchdowns in half a season than Bell ever has in a whole season.

And yet, that's not the end of the story. The Steelers expect Bell to report Monday. He has to report by November 13 if he wants to play in 2018. And then there's the nearly $6 million he can make for the rest of the season. So it would make sense that Bell would return, and of course that he would treat those final seven games as an audition for future employers.

But what does it mean for the Steelers. The team is 6-2-1, and in first place. The Steelers entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, and after a slow start those seem valid again. In fact, the team is humming along. On Thursday night, they pounded the 6-2 Panthers 52-21.

But what about Bell? For years he's been THE guy in the Steelers' backfield. But now there's Connor. Granted, Connor is in the concussion protocol, but he is still among the best backs in the NFL in 2018. So, you're probably thinking, what's the problem? Isn't having two great backs a good problem to have?

Possibly. But there's a few concerns to consider. Both Bell and Connor have thrived with the near total workload, and bell cow backs often need more and more touches to keep getting stronger in a game. When the workload is split, it's possible that neither can achieve at the level that is expected or that their talent would suggest.

There's also a question of team chemistry. Many on the Steelers threw Bell under the bus when he didn't report. And it's hard to know if those feelings remain. And, in addition, after his many false starts about reporting, many may have additional hard feelings about how this process has been handled. Then there's the matter of Connor, how well he's played and the fact he's played so well and been lauded by teammates and fans.

There's also the fantasy aspect, that has many fans curious. Some have waited for Bell to return and save their season. Some have thrived with Connor. Some have both and worry about a time split.

Finally, there's always the possibility — however remote — that Bell won't report and will, in fact, sit out the year.

In a season with a lot of storylines, this might be the biggest. And one way or the other, we'll enter a new chapter by this Tuesday.