Steelers owner doesn't expect team to trade Le'Veon Bell

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said he's surprised that Le'Veon Bell's contract standoff with the team has lasted this long, but emphasized that he remains confident the running back isn't going anywhere.

"I expect him to be a member of the team going forward," Rooney said, in response to a question about trade talks ahead of the Oct. 30 trade deadline, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. "That's my expectation."

The Steelers were reportedly listening to trade packages for Bell, though it's not known how serious they were about moving him, or if they received any substantial offers.

Bell was apparently set to return to Pittsburgh this week, the team's bye, but he never appeared, as the Steelers reportedly expected.

"I think the team has handled it well," Rooney said of Bell's absence. "The players have adjusted, just carrying on without him. That's all you can do. But it's early in the season, we have a long way to go. We just have to keep getting better every week. Can't take anything for granted."