NFL notes: League suspends Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell
The NFL on Friday suspended Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell for the first three games of the season for missing multiple drug tests, a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Bell initially faced a four-game suspension, but it was reduced to three games following an appeal to the league. Bell offered an apology in an Instagram post shortly after the suspension was announced, a post he later deleted.
“I’m not the perfect person,” Bell said in the post. “I’m not going to say I act like a perfect person. I make mistakes. I want to apologize for everything I put you guys through the last couple years. It’s been a frustrating run for you. It’s been a frustrating run for me.”
This is the second time Bell has faced discipline from the league. He sat out the first two games of the 2015 season as punishment for his arrest in August 2014 on DUI and marijuana possession charges following a traffic stop. Bell was originally suspended three games before it was reduced on appeal.
Bell will be eligible to return to the active roster Sept. 26, before the team’s Week 4 home game against Kansas City. He will miss the season opener at Washington, the first home game against Cincinnati and the next game at Philadelphia.
Redskins come back for win
Top running back Matt Jones left with a sprained shoulder and receiver Rashad Ross made his best case for a roster spot and the Washington Redskins came back to beat the New York Jets 22-18 in Landover, Maryland, in the second preseason game for each team.
Romo, Prescott lead Dallas win
Tony Romo led a touchdown drive in his preseason debut once the Dallas offense stopped committing holding penalties, rookie backup quarterback Dak Prescott had a strong encore and Ryan Tannehill finally got the Miami Dolphins moving in the Cowboys’ 41-14 exhibition victory in Arlington, Texas.
Chargers beat Cardinals 19-3
The San Diego Chargers forged ahead early and cruised past the Arizona Cardinals 19-3 in San Diego. With Carson Palmer limited to three series and Philip Rivers not playing, the first half was mostly a competition between veteran backup quarterbacks Kellen Clemens and Drew Stanton.