Steelers welcome back Bell as Chiefs visit

RB returns from 3-game suspension; Charles might be available for Kansas City

PITTSBURGH — The previous time the Pittsburgh Steelers faced an Andy Reidinspired offense, things didn’t go so well. At least, not for the Steelers. Thankfully the memories are fresh. Too fresh for some.

Perhaps the best thing the Steelers (2-1) can say about the 34-3 embarrassment at the hands of Reid disciple Doug Pederson and the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday is that it’s over.

“That’s last week,” Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “We’re not looking back; we’re going forward.” With a familiar face ready to pitch in. Running back Le’Veon Bell returns from a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, giving the Steelers offense another versatile weapon as it prepares for the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’m pretty sure they’re going to utilize me, move me around a little bit,” said Bell, who hasn’t played since tearing the MCL in his right knee in November against Kansas City.

Bell might not be the only high-profile running back ready to run through the tunnel after a long layoff.

Chiefs star Jamaal Charles is close to completing his nearly yearlong comeback from a torn ACL in his right knee. While Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West have filled in capably this season for the Chiefs (2-1), Charles — like Bell — is a unique talent.

Here are some things to look for as the Chiefs try for their first victory in Pittsburgh since 1986: Ball hawks: Kansas City’s defense forced eight turnovers in a victory over the New York Jets last Sunday, including a pair of interceptions by cornerback Marcus Peters. The 2015 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year is rapidly becoming one of the best in the league at his position.

“[He’s] intercepting the ball at an alarming rate,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He has great ball skills.” Back to Blitzburgh? Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler has been reluctant to bring much pressure on opposing quarterbacks, preferring to drop seven or eight players into coverage to help protect a young secondary. It might be time for a change. Pittsburgh is 31st against the pass and last in sacks. Two-headed monster? Pittsburgh hardly skipped a beat without Bell over the past year, thanks in large part to the play of DeAngelo Williams. The 33-year-old helped power the Steelers to the playoffs in 2015 and led the NFL in rushing before becoming an afterthought in Week 3 after the Steelers fell behind. Tomlin hasn’t ruled out putting both players on the field at the same time, likely with Bell serving as a third or fourth receiver in some formations while Williams stays in to block. Finishing touch: As definitive as the 24-3 final score against the Jets looked, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith knows it should have been even more lopsided after being gifted eight turnovers. The defense and special teams scored on two of the takeaways, meaning the offense only managed to score 10 points. Associated Press reporter Dave Skretta in Kansas City contributed to this article.