On Friday, reports surfaced that Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was facing a four-game suspension for a missed drug test. A day later, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Bell missed "several" drug tests, according to PFT.

This development comes a year after Bell was suspended for the first two games of the 2015 season for DUI and marijuana possession, and a month after a Pittsburgh sports radio host first floated the idea that Bell could be facing another suspension.

Here's Bell's response in June when asked about the rumor:

"I don't know what you are talking about," he said at the time. "I am fine. I haven't missed any drug tests, failed any drug tests. I can't keep talking about the drug test. I probably already said too much about it so I really can't keep talking about it. People are going to say what they want to say on the internet. It is people who really have nothing to do. I don't get upset or let it bother me."

Bell will reportedly appeal the suspension, though history suggests that he faces long odds to have it overturned, especially if he missed several tests.

In the meantime, the Steelers' high-powered offense will move forward with one of the league's best quarterbacks in Ben Roethlisberger, the league's most dynamic wide receiver in Antonio Brown, and Bell's capable replacement in 33-year-old DeAngelo Williams. There's also tight end Ladarius Green, signed this offseason to replace retired Heath Miller, and Sammie Coates, drafted in 2015 because the Steelers knew that Martavis Bryant would face a four-game suspension to start last season. (Earlier this year, Bryant was suspended for all of 2016 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy).

Bells, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, had a chance to become one of the NFL's highest-paid running backs. Instead, that $15 million-a-year deal he floated earlier this offseason is now a pipe dream.