The New York Jets are making a wise choice by holding new star running back Le’Veon Bell out for the entirety of the preseason to reduce his chance of injury – but Bell hasn’t played an NFL game since Christmas Day in 2017, and the running back says he needs to get hit in order to prepare for the regular season.
Bell said this week that he wants Jets defenders to go after him in practice to help him prepare for regular-season action, and that he tries to create contact with defenders in practice.
Via ESPN:
“I try to do that intentionally, just so I can feel it. A lot of times you’ll start seeing guys get a little frustrated and they’ll try to hit me back — and that’s what I need. They won’t take me to the ground and they won’t go for my legs. Hitting me up top, things like that, I need all that.”
Bell also said that he hates watching teammate Sam Darnold from the sideline, because he wishes he could play alongside him.
“I know everybody’s eager to watch me play, and I’m eager to play. You know, I understand that… it’s time. Everybody knows we’re being patient, so that’s what I’m going to do, I’m going to be patient. Wait till Week 1 comes. When it counts, I’ll be out there. I’m going to give you everything I’ve got.”
