Le'Veon Bell optimistic of playing on Sunday

Le'Veon Bell has said that he expects to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting lineup this weekend after recovering from a concussion.

The rookie running back sustained the head injury against the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday, but has been cleared to take part in full-contact practices with the team.

The 21-year-old told the team's website: "I went through all the testing. I'm fine, I passed everything. I passed everything Monday. I'm thankful to be OK. I'm ready to play now. I'm ready to go out there and help the team win.

"I don't feel like it was the hit. I think it was my head hitting the ground. I think that's what did it. Hits, they happen all the time. I've been hit hard plenty of times.

"It was violent in there, but that's Ravens-Steelers. I'm not going to shy away. I've been playing football my whole life. I'm not scared to get hit or intimidated by getting hit. The hit is not going to necessarily scar me. I'm not going to be thinking about it. It's not going to determine the way I run."

The Steelers face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.