Steelers OG DeCastro: 'Doesn't matter' if Bell reports

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard David DeCastro is tired of hearing about the absence of three-time Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell. With apologies to DeCastro, let's review. Bell has yet to play for the Steelers (5-2-1) this season as he seeks a long-term deal. The 26-year-old running back hasn't signed his $14.5 million franchise tender and has until Nov. 13 to report if he wants to play this season. So now, cue Mr. DeCastro. "Honestly, no one cares anymore," the 28-year-old DeCastro said after Sunday's 23-16 win over the Ravens, via of NFL.com. "Why would I? I don't want to waste the energy. I have to block some of the best players on the best defense in the world. Do you think I'm going to worry about a guy who's not here?" DeCastro's comments came on the heels of coach Mike Tomlin telling a reporter that "we need volunteers, not hostages" in response to if the Steelers need Bell in the lineup. Bell's replacement, James Conner, has rushed for 706 yards and nine touchdowns. The 23-year-old also has 38 receptions for 379 yards and a score. "It just doesn't matter," DeCastro said. "If (Bell) shows up, you're blocking your guy the same as you would for Conner. It's not like it's going to be an issue. As much drama as there was with that, it's not going to affect how we play football." DeCastro is not alone. "I love playing with Conner," left tackle Alejandro Villanueva said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't have anything to say about Le'Veon. I don't even know what shape he is in right now." --RB James Conner rushed for 107 yards and caught a TD pass. Conner leads the AFC with 706 yards rushing and 1,085 yards from scrimmage (rushing plus receiving). He is second in the NFL in both categories to Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams. --QB Ben Roethlisberger scared the Steelers when he layed on the turf in the fetal position after being tackled by Ravens OLB Za'Darius Smith on Sunday. But luckily, he just had the wind knocked out of him. "I'm not sure if I landed on the ball or what, but the only thought I had was getting that first down or get as close as I could to it.," Roethlisberger said, via the Post-Gazette. "... I was running and then next thing you know, you feel a very big person coming down on top of you and when you hit the ground, instantly you just feel pain, you feel shortness of breath, you feel a little bit of everything, I'll be honest. But pain mostly." --CB Coty Sensabaugh has officially overtaken Artie Burns as the Steelers starting corner opposite Joe Haden. Sensabaugh played 60 defensive snaps on Sunday while Burns did not play any. Tomlin told the Post-Gazette, "You tell me, based on usage," when asked if Sensabaugh had won the job. --WR James Washington suffered a minor knee injury on Sunday. WR/return specialist Ryan Switzer suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. --DL Daniel McCullers also has an ankle injury. --RT Marcus Gilbert, who has missed the past two games with a knee injury, could practice Tuesday. "I'm open to it," Tomlin said. "I know he's open to it."