The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expecting running back Le'Veon Bell to return to the team this week, a source told NFL.com's Judy Battista.

Pittsburgh is on its bye week and the players are off from Thursday to Sunday.

Bell refused to report after the Steelers opted to place the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive year, missing the entire preseason and the first six games of the campaign. James Conner has taken over as the lead back in his absence.

It was widely expected Bell would return in Week 7 but it appears his eventual appearance is still on hold.

The Steelers resume play against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 28.