Steelers' Bell no longer limited by knee injury

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell may still have his four-game suspension hanging over his head, but he no longer has to concern himself about the health of his knee.

Bell tore his MCL and PCL in November, cutting his season short. But with training camp ramping up, the fourth-year back is taking on a bigger workload and is moving as freely as he did prior to the injury.

"As long as my knee's not swelling or having any setbacks, I will continue to do more," said Bell, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "My first day running, March 1, I had a vision I'd be ready around this time. This is my goal to be out here ready to compete."

Bell continued: "I feel I can protect myself. Even jump cutting, if I decide I want to jump over somebody, jump in the end zone, whatever it may be, I feel I'll be able to do all that. My leg feels great."

The former second-round pick's versatility and breakaway speed is a key component of the Steelers' offense, and Bell said he's regained his signature burst and agility.

"I felt I got all my speed back," Bell said. "I wasn't even thinking about my knee at all (Friday). ... That's the point I wanted to get to."

The 24-year-old's appeal is set to be heard in mid-August. He was handed the four-game ban - the second suspension of his career - for multiple missed drugs tests.