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Now the Steelers and fantasy football owners know what they're up against: Le'Veon Bell is facing a three-game suspension following his arrest on DUI and marijuana charges last August.

The tailback has also been docked a fourth game check by the league, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Associated Press sports writer Will Graves reports that Bell is expected to appeal the suspension. Neither fantasy owners nor the Steelers should expect him to be successful in that endeavor.

Bell was arrested last August following a traffic stop along with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount. The 23-year-old All-Pro ended up pleading no contest and was sentenced to 15 months of probation and entered into a diversion program. Blount, now a running back with New England, received a one-game suspension from the league last week.

Bell was a dominant force in his second season with the Steelers in 2014. His 2,115 yards from scrimmage were a team record. His 83 receptions were the most ever by a Pittsburgh running back and his versatility keyed the team's run to an AFC North title.

The Steelers signed free agent DeAngelo Williams to a two-year contract in March as a backup to Bell.

When Bell does return in Week 4, he'll certainly be asked to shoulder a workload similar to the one he handled last season. And assuming he picks up where he left off, the third-year man would continue to be one of the most productive running backs in the league on a week-to-week basis.

But according to NFL.com, since 1970, there have been just 13 instances where a runner has missed at least three games and still finished among the top five fantasy backs. That's 13 instances out of 220 top-five finishers in 44 seasons.

So the suspension will make it difficult to select Bell with the first pick overall -- a pick he would absolutely have merited with a full season ahead. But that doesn't mean he'll fall out of the first round. Far from it -- especially in point-per reception leagues. Owners who still want to secure Bell's services are going to have to pay a first round premium as things stand now.

They'll also want to keep an eye on Williams in coming months to see what kind of value he might provide as a handcuff.