Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell "badly tore" his right MCL after his knee was bent backward on a tackle and is likely to miss the rest of the 2015 season, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The source said Bell will be re-evaluated Monday, and former Rams RB Isaiah Pead is on his way to Pittsburgh for a tryout.
Bell was catching a pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger early in the second quarter of Sunday's 16-10 loss to Cincinnati when linebacker Vontaze Burfict made the tackle, then appeared to celebrate with teammates from clear across the field.
"He's that type of guy," Steelers guard Ramon Foster said. "That type of guy will get his sooner or later. ... If you've played against him, you know what I mean by it. He'll play it off, act dumb about it, but you don't run across the field acting hyped, celebrating, running up and down when a guy goes down like that."
Burfict told reporters he wasn't aware that Bell was hurt, and he added that he was friends with the Steelers rusher.
Bell was carted off the field and left Heinz Field for further evaluation and did not return. He later took to Twitter to thank fans for the outpouring of support.
I appreciate the concern and support from everybody who's sent me txts, tweets, phone calls, etc...I'll be okayy, love youu all! #Juice
— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) November 2, 2015
Bell, who entered the game with 511 rushing yards in five games, was down for a few minutes and was helped off the field by trainers. But he appeared to move the knee while sitting on the cart, which could be a good sign.
Defensive end Cam Heyward said he's going to "pray for my guy Le'Veon. ... It's an unfortunate situation."
Bell, who was suspended two games earlier this season for marijuana use, and Roethlisberger, who missed four games with a knee injury, have played a total of just 39 snaps together this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
ESPN Steelers reporter Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.
