The Facts: The Steelers are anticipating Bell returning to the team ahead of next week's deadline for franchise tagged players. "I don't know what his plans are, but I would say at this point we expect him to come back next week," Steelers owner Art Rooney II said on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Thursday.

Diehards Line:"We know he's back in Pittsburgh and so we're hoping to have some communications with him over the weekend and we're kind of expecting he will be back next week." Bell hasn't publicly said whether or not he's willing to sign his franchise tender or accept a one-year deal with the Steelers ahead of Tuesday's deadline to retain his playing eligibility for this season. While Bell's teammates continue to express frustration over Bell's absence from the team, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday the Steelers want the prolific running back to return. Bell is back in Pittsburgh after saying farewell on Monday to Miami, where he's been training during his self-imposed exile. ... Stay tuned. More to come.