Steelers notebook
Bell likely to miss fifth straight game PITTSBURGH – A week ago Wednesday, the Steelers were coming off a loss and linebacker Kendrell Bell had just limped through a practice when coach Bill Cowher was asked a simple question about his star linebacker’s health.
Cowher, you may remember, erupted at the questioner.
Wednesday, Cowher was asked once again about Bell’s progress, and the response was much different.
“My initial observation,” Cowher said, “is he looks much further along than he did last week at this time.”
Cowher, of course, will wait until the end of the week to decide whether Bell will play Monday night or miss a fifth consecutive game.
“He did some things today. Again, we’ll get the pads on the next couple days and have a better sense of where he’s at,’ Cowher said.
Joining Bell on the practice field Wednesday were running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala (ribs) and long snapper Mike Schneck (elbow). All three players are listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Missing Wednesday’s practice were running back Jerome Bettis (knee) and tight end Jerame Tuman (quad). Bettis is expected to play Monday. Tuman is listed as questionable.
The Colts’ injury report lists tight end Joe Dean Davenport (shoulder) as out; defensive back Cliff Crosby (knee/shoulder) as doubtful; strong safety Cory Bird (hip), guard Rick DeMulling (ankle) and defensive tackle Larry Tripplett (elbow) as questionable; and defensive tackle James Cannida (knee/neck), fullback Jim Finn (foot), wide receiver Drew Haddad (foot) and defensive tackle Josh Williams (foot) as probable.
BETTIS’ STATEMENT: One day after learning that sexual assault charges had been cleared against him, and that charges of extortion against his accusers are a possibility, Bettis issued the following statement:
“It’s unfortunate when people reach a certain level of success and recognition that they become targets to plots and schemes and unfounded accusations. And to be associated with this type of behavior is uncharacteristic with me as a person, and it’s awful that anyone be subjected to the type of criticism and treatment that I’ve received recently. But with the support of my family, friends, teammates, the organization and the Rooney family, I’ve been able to deal with it and focus on football. The fans have been very supportive of me and I do appreciate that. I’ve been very thankful for that, just thankful that everybody didn’t cast the doubt so quickly.”
Bettis fielded only one question from the group, which included news reporters who stereotypically began shouting willy-nilly.
Was he relieved?
“Very much so,” Bettis said.
BRADSHAW COMING HOME: He came back recently for Mike Webster’s funeral, and last year Terry Bradshaw came back to do a TV feature on Kordell Stewart. But Bradshaw will make his first public appearance in Pittsburgh in several years Monday when he will serve as honorary co-captain for the game. Bradshaw will be present at midfield for the pre-game coin toss and will be recognized by the Steelers at halftime for his 1989 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“It’s great,” said Cowher. “Any time you can get a Hall of Famer coming back, a guy of that caliber, it’s great. I hope the fans receive him well. He’s a very popular player and certainly was a cornerstone of the championship years here.”