Steelers GM wants Bell '100 percent' healthy, not setting timetable for return

The Pittsburgh Steelers understand the difference a fully healthy Le'Veon Bell makes to their chances of competing for a Super Bowl.

With the running back recovering from core muscle surgery, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Sunday there's currently no timetable for his return, emphasizing that the team wants him firing on all cylinders by the time next season rolls around.

"Our goal is to have him 100 percent for the 2017 season," Colbert said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.

The 25-year-old is currently set to play the 2017 season under the $12-million franchise tag. Reports at the start of March said Bell and the Steelers were deep in negotiations for a long-term contract, but there hasn't appeared to be any movement since.

Bell played at an MVP-level throughout the 2016 regular season and the first round of the playoffs. However, a groin injury limited him to just six carries in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, which the Steelers lost 36-17.