Le'Veon Bell: LeGarrette Blount 'made a mistake' by leaving field early

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell said he talked to ex-teammate LeGarrette Blount and that Blount realizes he made a mistake by leaving before Monday night’s game ended.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell said he talked to ex-teammate LeGarrette Blount and that Blount realizes he made a mistake by leaving before Monday night’s game ended, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette reports.

Blount left the field before the end of the team’s 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans, presumably upset about his lack of playing time as he did not get any carries in the game. The team released him fewer than 24 hours after the game. Bell rushed for a career-high 204 yards in the game.

Blount went unclaimed on waivers and can now sign with any team. Bell said he talked to his "close friend" after he was cut.

“He’s not in the best mood ever, but he understands he made a mistake. It’s unfortunate what happened,” Bell said to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "But it is what it is. He made his decision. Obviously I still wanted him here, but there are some things you can’t do. He pushed those buttons, and that’s what happens.”

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Bell is the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 951 yards. He said his approach won’t change as he is expected to receive more carries over the final month of the season. If he needs rest, the team will go to rookies Dri Archer and Josh Harris as Bell’s backups.

“I don’t really feel pressure,” Bell said. “This is what I trained for. I didn’t feel fatigued in the game or tired. As long as I continue to work and train as I’ve been, I’ll be fine.”

The Steelers have a bye next week before taking on the New Orleans Saints at home on Nov. 30.

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