Le’Veon Bell’s body is doing just fine after his first training camp practice in nearly two years.
Bell spoke to the media for the first time since minicamp and assured reporters that he is in great shape despite being out of football for a year. One of the biggest concerns with Bell going into camp was his weight. However, Bell said his reporting weight is “undisclosed,” but he feels “fresh” and as healthy as he’s been in recent years.
Meanwhile, his head coach, Adam Gase, thought the running back’s first practice was without issue.
“Like he didn’t miss a beat,” Gase said. “You can’t tell he’s missed any time.”
Gase has always admired Bell’s style of play. He loves his patience as a runner and how versatile he is. Gase has said multiple times that they are going to try and use Bell in a variety of ways, but they are going to be careful with his usage. Bell has well over 1,000 rushing attempts in his career to go along with 312 receptions as a receiver.
But his production on the field hasn’t declined even with all the miles he has carried. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards three times in his career and has had over 600 receiving yards three times as well.
It’s still early in camp to tell if Bell is in game shape, but all signs are pointing up that he is. He’ll get some playing time in the preseason to shake off the old rust on his cleats.
