It’s not the news Pittsburgh Steelers fans wanted to hear, but the team will be without running back Le’Veon Bell for Saturday’s AFC wildcard matchup against the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Pro Football Talk reported that the team announced on Friday that Bell has been ruled out for this week after suffering a hyperextended knee in last Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
The injury did not leave any ligament or structural damage in his right knee, but will sideline him in the all-important playoff game.
The 22-year-old explosive back was second in rushing this season and had 11 touchdowns, Pro-Football-Reference.com noted.
In Bell’s absence the Steelers can go with rookie Dri Archer or Josh Harris, who was promoted from the practice squad last month. Archer has ten rushes this season and Harris had nine carries.
The team also signed veteran Ben Tate on Tuesday and could use him to carry some of the load.
No matter who is the backfield, they will have a tall task as the Ravens are ranked fourth against the run and have allowed just 88 rushing yards per game.