New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell will not play against the Giants when the preseason commences for his squad.
Le’Veon Bell won’t be suiting up when the New York Jets take on the brother Giants on Thursday night, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.
A source told Costello the news on Wednesday, just a day prior to the team’s exhibition opener at MetLife Stadium. While it surely may be disappointing from a fan perspective, this is not a surprise for everybody who’s been following closely.
Bell, 27, missed the entire 2018 season due to a contractual decision. That, and that alone, presented the lone evidence in thinking the stud back may suit up in Week 1 of the preseason.
Instead, Jets head coach Adam Gase will follow the tried and tested “stud back” rules per August games. After his first couple of seasons, Bell never played in the preseason.
In 15 games in 2017, Bell tallied 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on 321 carries (4.0 yards per carry). He also recorded 655 yards and two scores on 85 total receptions.
The 4.0 yards per carry two years ago was a severe step down from his stellar 4.9 yards per carry mark in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
In terms of other player availabilities, Gase has kept most of it under wraps. If following what he did down in Miami, expect young Darnold, to play a series or two on Thursday night.
“Majority of the time we’ve played our first group in the first quarter and then the next week we’ve gone almost a full half,” Gase said. “It always depends on where are we at injury-wise, kind of how we come together. It’s been different as far as how the starters go every year.”
The New York Jets will officially kick-off the 2019 preseason against the Giants on Thursday night from MetLife Stadium (7 p.m. ET).
