Judging by how the Eagles have used McCoy, who leads the team with 23 receptions, they may have some concerns with Bell's ability to catch the ball. Since posting a 20-catch season in his rookie year of 2006, Bell has snared only seven passes.
But offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg indicated there are no concerns at all and no plans to limit the offense because of Bell's paucity of catches.
"I think he does have some experience catching the ball, and he's done a good job for us," Mornhinweg said Thursday. "He's a different style of back, however. . . . We always go to a player's strengths, and he's got different strengths than LeSean does."
Mornhinweg said Bell's low numbers are a result of "just too few tries." As for the effect of Bell's injuries - a strained hamstring, a pulled calf muscle - in training camp and the preseason, he said that is now "irrelevant."
"I think he's ready to go now," Mornhinweg said. "I think he's pretty comfortable how we do things and exactly what his responsibilities are, so I think we're all right there."
Bell's thoughts on that and other subjects are not known since he has declined comment each of the last two days. On Thursday, he told reporters: "Nothing personal. I've got a lot on my mind."
When he visited with Eagles coaches at the NovaCare Complex shortly before being signed in March as a restricted free agent, Bell said: "I can catch the ball if you go back and watch the tapes."
Bell spoke with his performance in practice Thursday, making several nice catches on passes from Kevin Kolb. Bell's best NFL season was his first. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona by the Denver Broncos, he rushed for 677 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 20 passes for 158 yards in 2006.
