Steelers gets ready for season opener without Bell
The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning preparations for their Week 1 opener against Cleveland without All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell.
Bell did not arrive at the team’s facility in time for practice Monday and has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender, leaving his status for Sunday’s visit to the Browns in doubt.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell for a second straight season this spring but failed to come to terms on a new contract. Last season, Bell signed his tender on Labor Day and was ready in time for the opener.
Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert says the team is “disappointed” that Bell has yet to rejoin his teammates.
Center Maurkice Pouncey called Bell’s absence “fine” and insisted it won’t be an issue going forward.
“The team is so locked in and focused on what we’ve got to do at hand this weekend that whenever he comes, we’ll welcome him with open arms,” Pouncey said. “Hopefully he’s in shape and ready to run the football.”
Frederick avoids IR: Travis Frederick will not go on injured reserve initially as he battles a condition that affects the nervous system, although the Dallas Cowboys still don’t have a timetable for the return of their four-time Pro Bowl center.
Coach Jason Garrett said Monday that the former Wisconsin Badgers starter hasn’t had any “drastic setbacks” while getting treated for Guillain-Barre syndrome. The disorder attacks nerves and causes weakness in various parts of the body.
Joe Looney is expected to start when the Cowboys open the season Sunday at Carolina.
Darnold gets call: Todd Bowles finally revealed the big decision that everyone expected: Sam Darnold will start at quarterback in the New York Jets’ season-opening game at Detroit next Monday night.
The 21-year-old Darnold will also make some NFL history by becoming the youngest quarterback to start in Week 1 since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. At 21 years and 97 days, the rookie surpasses Drew Bledsoe (21-203), who held the distinction since starting for New England in 1993.
The announcement Monday by Bowles comes as no surprise as the rookie was solid while starting the Jets’ second and third preseason games. New York traded Teddy Bridgewater to New Orleans last week, and Darnold then sat out the preseason finale at Philadelphia – clear signals the No. 3 overall draft pick would be under center against the Lions.
Peterman named Bills starting QB: The Buffalo Bills have named Nathan Peterman their starting quarterback in a job the second-year player is expected to hold until rookie first-round pick Josh Allen is deemed ready.
The Bills made the announcement on their Twitter account before practice Monday morning as the team prepares for its season opener at Baltimore on Sunday.
Peterman put up the best numbers during the preseason in finishing a combined 33 of 41 for 432 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in two preseason games last month.
Foles to lead Eagles: Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson says Nick Foles will start against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.
Pederson made the announcement Monday, one day after a testy exchange with reporters in which he insisted he wanted to wait.
Carson Wentz still hasn’t been medically cleared for contact as he comes back from surgery last December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. Foles was the Super Bowl MVP in Philadelphia’s 41-33 win over New England.