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Le’Veon Bell was injured in the first quarter of the AFC Championship on Sunday, leaving his status for the rest of Pittsburgh’s showdown with New England up in the air.
The dynamic running back didn’t appear hurt on his last carry of the quarter, rushing for 3 yards before heading to the sideline. There, he took his helmet off and started talking to team trainers while DeAngelo Williams took his place in the backfield.
CBS announcer Jim Nantz theorized the issue could be a twisted ankle, but Tracy Wolfson reported doctors merely talked to Bell rather than examining his lower body.
The team later reported the issue was a groin injury.
#Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell sustained a left groin injury. His return to today's game is questionable.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) January 23, 2017
Bell came back out for one play, but returned to the bench shortly after. He was seen without his helmet on his sideline, indicating things might not have improved as much as initially believed.
His status for the rest of the game is questionable. If the team has to turn to Williams for an extended period, it could be a blessing in disguise. The veteran back torched the Pats for 127 yards when these teams met in 2015.