Steelers OG DeCastro: 'Doesn't matter' if Bell reports

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs with the ball as offensive guard David DeCastro (66) blocks Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second quarter on Oct. 28.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs with the ball as offensive guard David DeCastro (66) blocks Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the second quarter on Oct. 28.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard David DeCastro is tired of hearing about the absence of three-time Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell. With apologies to DeCastro, let's review. Bell has yet to play for the Steelers (5-2-1) this season as he seeks a long-term deal. The 26-year-old running back hasn't signed his $14.5 million franchise tender and has until Nov. 13 to report if he wants to play this season. So now, cue Mr. DeCastro. "Honestly, no one cares anymore," the 28-year-old DeCastro said after Sunday's 23-16 win over the Ravens, via of NFL.com. "Why would I? I don't want to waste the energy. I have to block some of the best players on the best defense in the world. Do you think I'm going to worry about a guy who's not here?" DeCastro's comments came on the heels of coach Mike Tomlin telling a reporter that "we need volunteers, not hostages" in response to if the Steelers need Bell in the lineup. Bell's replacement, James Conner, has rushed for 706 yards and nine touchdowns. The 23-year-old also has 38 receptions for 379 yards and a score. "It just doesn't matter," DeCastro said. "If (Bell) shows up, you're blocking your guy the same as you would for Conner. It's not like it's going to be an issue. As much drama as there was with that, it's not going to affect how we play football." DeCastro is not alone. "I love playing with Conner," left tackle Alejandro Villanueva said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't have anything to say about Le'Veon. I don't even know what shape he is in right now." --RB James Conner rushed for 107 yards and caught a TD pass. Conner leads the AFC with 706 yards rushing and 1,085 yards from scrimmage (rushing plus receiving). He is second in the NFL in both categories to Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams. --QB Ben Roethlisberger scared the Steelers when he layed on the turf in the fetal position after being tackled by Ravens OLB Za'Darius Smith on Sunday. But luckily, he just had the wind knocked out of him. "I'm not sure if I landed on the ball or what, but the only thought I had was getting that first down or get as close as I could to it.," Roethlisberger said, via the Post-Gazette. "... I was running and then next thing you know, you feel a very big person coming down on top of you and when you hit the ground, instantly you just feel pain, you feel shortness of breath, you feel a little bit of everything, I'll be honest. But pain mostly." --CB Coty Sensabaugh has officially overtaken Artie Burns as the Steelers starting corner opposite Joe Haden. Sensabaugh played 60 defensive snaps on Sunday while Burns did not play any. Tomlin told the Post-Gazette, "You tell me, based on usage," when asked if Sensabaugh had won the job. --WR James Washington suffered a minor knee injury on Sunday. WR/return specialist Ryan Switzer suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. --DL Daniel McCullers also has an ankle injury. --RT Marcus Gilbert, who has missed the past two games with a knee injury, could practice Tuesday. "I'm open to it," Tomlin said. "I know he's open to it."

Latest Player Notes

How a Wisconsin legend got his German protégé into Badgers pro day

Mar 15, 2024 Marlon Werthmann put his life on hold for the opportunity in front of him Friday at the McClain Center.Werthmann ...

Why former Wisconsin football running back Braelon Allen didn't run the 40 at pro day

Mar 15, 2024 Braelon Allen’s sweat covered his shirt and dripped off his beard as he approached a group of reporters Friday.The ...

How can UW recruit its best class ever? It starts with these five prospects

By Andy Yamashita Seattle Times staff reporter Jedd Fisch has lofty recruiting goals at Washington. He didn’t waste any ...

Texas football kicks off spring practice Tuesday. We answer 24 questions for the 2024 team

Things certainly look fresh for the 2024 college football season, especially on the Texas campus.There’s a new conference ...

College Football Playoff: Conferences solve their differences (for now) and agree on general framework for 2026 and beyond

The FBS conferences and Notre Dame agreed on Friday to continue the College Football Playoff beyond the 2025 season, signing ...

Ball security, leadership key as Aztecs look to identify starting quarterback

San Diego State seemingly auditions a new starting quarterback on an annual basis.In the past 12 years, the Aztecs have opened ...

Results and more: A look at what happened at Penn State football’s Pro Day inside Holuba Hall

Most of those at Penn State’s Pro Day Friday were relatively quiet throughout the afternoon’s workouts, but there was one ...

Defense dominates first two weeks of Oregon State spring practice as Beavers ready for 2-week breather

CORVALLIS – Oregon State hit the break of spring practices Saturday, not exactly the midpoint but a good place to assess ...

Dillon Gabriel to have similar input, autonomy as Bo Nix had in Oregon’s offense

Published Mar. 16, 2024, 6:26 p.m.By James CrepeaEUGENE — Dillon Gabriel will have much of the same autonomy as Bo Nix did ...

Two transfers, one underclassman who impressed in Missouri football's spring game

With that, spring camp’s a wrap.Missouri football held its Black & Gold spring game Saturday in front of a healthy crowd ...
See More Player Notes