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Tomlin: RB Bell's foot injury not as serious as feared

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic rookie running back Le'Veon Bell's sprained right foot isn't as bad as it initially appeared.

While Bell will miss Saturday night's preseason game against Kansas City, Tomlin said he's encouraged by how quickly the foot is responding to treatment. Bell suffered the injury early on in Monday night's 24-13 loss to Washington.

Tomlin said the foot will not require surgery but he did not offer a timetable for a return. Channel 11’s Rich Walsh said some doctors he talked to Thursday said they expect Bell to be out about three weeks.

“I’m just going to take it day-by-day and try to get back as soon as I can,” Bell said.

The Steelers are relying on the second-round pick to become the feature back behind Ben Roethlisberger.

Bell carried four times for nine yards against Washington in his professional debut and was listed as the co-starter on the depth chart before going down.

Walsh reported that Bell was in a boot at the Steelers’ team facility Thursday. Bell told Walsh that he’s able to walk on it and pick up marbles with his toes.

“I have been healing pretty quick, so as long as the process keeps going that way, I should be back pretty quick,” Bell said.

Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman will likely both fill in for Bell against the Chiefs.