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Report: Bell not expected to rejoin Steelers this week

Aaron Doster / USA TODAY Sports

Disgruntled running back Le'Veon Bell will not be reporting to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, a source informed NFL Network's Jim Trotter, according to colleague Ian Rapoport.

It was previously reported that Bell planned to end his holdout during the team's bye in Week 7. Now, Rapoport hints at next week's trade deadline as the day to watch for his possible return.

Bell has yet to set foot in a Steelers facility since being franchise tagged for a second consecutive season in March.

The star rusher can sign as late as November and still earn the requisite amount of service time to accrue a full season and hit free agency in 2019, according to Matt Bonesteel of the Washington Post.

Without their two-time All-Pro, the Steelers struggled out of the gates, but have rattled off two straight wins to bring their record to 3-2-1.

Bell's backup, James Conner, has been a revelation. The sophomore ranks sixth in the league in rushing with 453 yards on the ground through six games. He trails only Todd Gurley in rushing touchdowns with seven.

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