PITTSBURGH -- Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell will miss a fourth consecutive game Sunday because of a sore groin.
Bell, considered a key to the defense before the season, hasn't played since an Aug. 14 exhibition game against Detroit, first because of an injured shoulder and now the groin.
Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher said this week he thought Bell was making progress, but Bell has since been downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's home game against the Bengals.
Bell is trying to avoid what happened in 2002, when he sprained an ankle during training camp, reinjured it in the opener and was never healthy again the rest of the season.
Bell, the 2001 NFL defensive rookie of the year and a Pro Bowl alternate last season, will be replaced again by Larry Foote. Foote is third on the team with 17 tackles.
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