The Facts: Le’Veon Bell is not the only Steelers star on offense skipping spring practices these days. The Killer B’s are nowhere to be found. Ben Roethlisberger turned out for the first practice May 22 and has not been here since, missing the past four. Antonio Brown attended the first two practices and has missed the past three.
Diehards Line:
All practices are voluntary until the required minicamp June 12-14, but it’s unusual for so many stars to miss so many practices in the spring. In Brown’s case, he has not attended since he publicly instructed Bell he should turn out for the voluntary practices. Bell has not signed his franchise tag, and even during mandatory minicamp and training camp he will be exempt until he does sign it or a new contract. “The first rule of getting better is showing up,” Brown said about Bell May 23. “You can’t make anything better without showing up.” Quarterbacks Landry Jones and Josh Dobbs say they are taking advantage of Roethlisberger’s absence in different ways, along with rookie Mason Rudolph. Dobbs said he’s getting more practice snaps because of Roethlisberger’s absence. That’s the same for Justin Hunter. “Yeah, I’m taking more of my opportunities day by day,” Hunter said. “I just feel like I have to make some plays when they throw my way.” Again, this is something to note; it shouldn’t be changing anybody’s Average Draft Position.