Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will not be able to play for the first three games after he was suspended for alleged DUI and marijuana possession last year.

Following the one-game suspension of New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount from the same incident (except the DUI), Yahoo Sports said that Bell's suspension was announced along with a fine of an additional game check. The running back is reportedly appealing the charge.

His suspension will be a "big blow" to the Steelers as Yahoo Sports said that they will lack an offensive player in the team. Last season, he recorded 2,215 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns aside from making it to the All-Pro team.

Yahoo Sports added that DeAngelo Williams will not level up to the play that Bell is offering the team.

USA Today noted that Bell and Blount were arrested on Aug. 20 after authorities reportedly found about three-fourths of an ounce of marijuana inside Bell's car while they were in front of a traffic light.

The Steelers running back initially received a 15-month probation and his license was suspended for 60 days. Meanwhile, Blount's charges were dropped in exchange for a 50-hour community service.

Bell is known for his great contribution to the team especially last year. "His 83 receptions were the most ever by a Pittsburgh running back and his versatility keyed the team's run to an AFC North title," noted Boston Globe.

On his analysis of Bell's suspension, Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette blamed Bell for his own actions and for bringing these issues upon himself.

"He let down his coaches, teammates and the Steelers organization in a big way. They will pay a significant price at the start of next season because of his selfishness," Cook added.

For Cook, it is difficult to "feel sympathy" for the running back or even argue against the suspension slapped against him. He explained that the punishment on Bell is something that the NFL would not be too lenient about since the league was criticized for giving Ray Rice a mere two-game suspension for knocking out his wife.

"The league won't make a similar mistake again, which is a good thing. The opinion here is the tougher the penalty for criminal behavior, the better the NFL will be," he added.

A Penn Live report stated that Bell already expected this punishment from the NFL but only anticipated a two-game suspension.

When Bell missed the Steelers' faceoff with the Baltimore Ravens last season, his team lost as it struggled without his rushing ability.

The Steelers certainly hope that they can still win the first three games of the season even without Bell playing for the team.