Le'Veon Bell

The Steelers will start the 2015 football season without their top running back.

The NFL has suspended Le’Veon Bell for three games without pay for violating its substance-abuse policy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Bell has appealed the ruling, ESPN reported. The tailback also has been docked a fourth game check by the league, according to ESPN.

If the suspension holds, Bell can take part in preseason games and training camp before serving his ban away from the club.

Bell’s suspension stems from a DUI charge last summer. He was sentenced to probation, and the charge, along with a marijuana possession count, can be removed from his record if he completes 15 months of service.

His former Steelers teammate, LeGarrette Blount, has a one-game suspension for the incident.

Ex-Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, who the Steelers signed, figures to have a bigger role with Bell out of the lineup to begin next season.