Bell not with Steelers as they go to Cleveland
Le’Veon Bell did not report to the Pittsburgh Steelers before Saturday’s deadline, meaning the star running back officially will surrender his Week 1 game check worth $853,000.
The Steelers were on their way to Cleveland on Saturday for their regular-season opener today against the Browns, and Bell was not with the team, sources told ESPN.
Pittsburgh’s James Conner is expected to start at running back today.
Bell has not made a decision on when to show and is taking his situation day by day, with nothing definitive mapped out, a source told ESPN.
Bell’s agent has suggested that the running back is willing to stay away from the team for a lengthy amount of time.
Bell said in January that he wasn’t accepting another 400 touches on a salary he felt was below his value, and his actions are backing that up.
Bell most likely found motivation from megadeals signed by Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack — all of which came after Bell’s failed extension negotiations in mid-July.
Bell says he is a top-10 player, a sentiment many top-100 rankings organized by media outlets have validated, and now he is literally giving up nearly a million a week to find out how much that status is worth.
Thomas activated by Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks activated safety Earl Thomas to the 53-man roster, making him eligible to play in today’s opener against Denver.
Cornerback Dontae Johnson was placed on injured reserve Saturday after hurting his groin during practice this week. Johnson was expected to start at right cornerback, but rookie Tre Flowers, a converted safety, might now do so. Veteran Neiko Thorpe is another option.
The move with Thomas was expected. He made it through his first week of practice with no issues after holding out of training camp while seeking an extension or a trade. His deal expires after the 2018 season.
Seattle added cornerback Akeem King from the practice squad and waived cornerback Simeon Thomas, who was claimed off waivers this week.
Cards sign Johnson to contract extension
The Arizona Cardinals have signed star running back David Johnson to a three-year extension through the 2021 season.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed Saturday night. Johnson will make $1.88 million this season in the final year of the rookie deal he signed in 2015 as a thirdround pick out of Northern Iowa.
Coming off a wrist injury that limited to one game last season, Johnson has rushed for 1,843 yards and 24 touchdowns on 429 attempts in 33 career games. He also has caught 122 passes for 1,403 yards and eight touchdowns.
Johnson had a recordbreaking campaign in 2016, leading the NFL and setting a franchise record with 2,118 scrimmage yards (1,239 rushing and 879 receiving). He also led the NFL and set a franchise record with 20 touchdowns, including a franchise-record 16 rushing touchdowns.
Jets linebacker Martin out with concussion
New York Jets outside linebackerJoshMartinwasruled out Monday night at Detroit because of a concussion.
The Jets also announced that wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (abdomen) and safety Marcus Maye (foot) are doubtful to participate.
With Martin now on the sidelines, New York promoted rookie outside linebacker Frankie Luvu from the practice squad and waived fullback Lawrence Thomas.
Quincy Enunwa is likely to move into the starting lineup opposite wide receiver Robby Anderson with Kearse, who led the team in receptions last season, sidelined.
Coach Todd Bowles said either Doug Middleton or J.J. Wilcox would replace Maye if the second-year safety was unable to play.