Suh’s suspension rescinded; fine instead

NEW YORK (AP) — Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh can play in Detroit’s wild-card game after his one-game NFL suspension was reduced to a $70,000 fine.

Hearing officer Ted Cottrell heard Suh’s expedited appeal Tuesday and ruled that Suh can play Sunday at Dallas but must pay the fine.

Suh originally was suspended for stepping on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ left leg twice last Sunday in a loss to Green Bay for the NFC North title. He stepped on Rodgers once with each foot, which violated unnecessary roughness rules, according to the league.

But Cottrell, jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ union, rescinded the suspension.

The Lions said they would not comment until Wednesday, when Suh will be available at their training complex.

Steelers sign RB Tate as backup plan

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Le’Veon Bell spent a portion of his Tuesday testing his hyperextended right knee on an exercise bike. The Pittsburgh Steelers spent it preparing for life without their most valuable player.

The Steelers signed well-traveled running back Ben Tate as a backup plan in case Bell’s knee doesn’t respond in time for Saturday night’s wild-card game against Baltimore. The sight of his budding star grinding through a workout might have been encouraging, but Tomlin hardly seems optimistic, pointing out “there won’t be any bikes on the field.”