Coach Dick Vermeil said today that he’ll hold out Bell, a Pro Bowl linebacker, in Friday night’s preseason game at Minnesota. Bell missed most of the 2004 season with Pittsburgh with a groin injury, but he has been participating in training camp.

“I just don’t think he’s ready to play,” Vermeil said. “He hasn’t been in physical contact, and I’m not going to make the first contact situation for him a preseason game. It’s going to happen on the field first and then go to the preseason game. And he’s not ready for that.”

Vermeil said Bell is being held out as a precautionary measure but should play at some point in the preseason. Defensive tackle Carlos Hall (elbow), offensive lineman Will Shields (back), tight end Jason Dunn (back spasms) and receiver Freddie Mitchell (knee) also will sit Friday night.