New York Jets head coach Adam Gase and running back Le’Veon Bell clash over an announced hamstring injury Wednesday morning.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—La’Mical Perine had himself a day Wednesday morning in Florham Park, NJ. That’s the good news. The bad news is a bit more overwhelming.
Firstly, Adam Gase’s offense struggled for the entirety of the scrimmage-type practice. More importantly, Le’Veon Bell left practice for precautionary reasons due to hamstring tightness, according to the head coach.
Most importantly, however, Bell refutes that he was even injured at all.
ain’t nothin wrong with my hamstrings https://t.co/6ri3vCVQ1U
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 26, 2020
“Ain’t nothing wrong with my hamstrings,” Bell tweeted after practice.
He accompanied that tweet with words that showcase his desire to play football.
its tough to stay loose when you do a bunch of standing around……& I’m used to GOINGGG 🏃🏾💨💨
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 26, 2020
“It’s tough to stay loose when you do a bunch of standing around, and I’m used to goinggg.”
exactly…I PRACTICE for a GAME!!! I need to PRACTICE to be great in GAMES!!! duh https://t.co/AcOUMBOgdt
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 26, 2020
“Exactly … I practice for a game! I need to practice to be great in games! Duh.”
Gase explained why Bell was taken out of practice early; it had everything to do with a hamstring injury and taking “precautionary” measures to protect the back from himself.
“So that’s why we pulled him out; he won’t do it on his own,” Gase told reporters after practice. “He’ll keep going out there until somebody else pulls him out.”
Bell, 28, enters his second season with the New York Jets. Thanks to his debated usage a year ago, the Bell-Gase conversation was bound to surface at some point this season. That’s just the nature of the beast—especially with this fanbase and media market.
How often would Gase use Bell? Does he even want him on the team? Will Perine and Frank Gore eat into his carries? Fans continue to ask those questions.
Meanwhile, the 2020 season marks the third time Gase has Gore in his offense—a man the head coach continues to praise at every turn.
“He looks the same as he did 12 years ago,” Gase said. “I can’t explain it.”
Of course, the Jets head man has praised Bell all summer as well, but that will not do anything in slowing the perceived fire that is Gase vs. Bell.
Le’Veon Bell wants to play football. The question remains, “Does Adam Gase envision him as a workhorse back?”
