[Kansas City.com] As the mystery of Kendrell Bell continued, and panic spread, the Chiefs’ new linebacker didn’t move around like a man with serious health issues. He darted into a pile of defenders, looked straight ahead, and didn’t stop. And that was just to avoid the cameras.

Bell hates talking about his health. He’d rather give his take on gas prices. But two preseason games have passed, Bell has been nowhere on the field, and Chiefs fans have lit up the radio call-in shows with worry.

They wonder if Bell’s hard-luck injuries have followed him to Kansas City.

“I’m fine,” Bell said. “I’m out here practicing. They should come out here and watch me practice. Then they can make a decision.”

Maybe they can see for themselves this week. Bell is expected to participate in full-contact

Maybe they can see for themselves this week. Bell is expected to participate in full-contact drills, the last step before he plays in a preseason game. He was a regular for two-a-days during training camp, but coach Dick Vermeil has held Bell from contact. The reasons varied. Vermeil said it was to rest the shoulder that nagged Bell in Pittsburgh.

President/general manager Carl Peterson hinted that the Chiefs also want to be careful because of a groin injury that kept Bell out for most of the 2004 season. Peterson said they had planned to limit Bell in the preseason even before he tweaked the shoulder this summer during offseason workouts.

“That’s by design,” Peterson said. “You hold your breath every preseason game.”

Waiting seems to be a theme for the Chiefs’ linebackers. Five linebackers were scratched from Saturday night’s game against Arizona, and after the 24-17 loss, Vermeil hoped to get some of his 25 injured players back in practice today. Keyaron Fox, who would normally back up Bell on the right side, is out because of a hamstring pull.

Their absences undoubtedly have had an affect on a 0-2 start. Good thing the games don’t count.

“They just don’t need me right now,” Bell said. “We’ll take our time. I wouldn’t want to get too happy to get out there.”