Bears sign RB Joique Bell who will face former team Sunday
In need of running back help, the Bears signed former Detroit Lions back, Joique Bell on Tuesday.
With Jeremy Langford sustaining a high-ankle sprain on Sunday, the Bears left week three very thin at running back. On Tuesday, they went out and signed former Detroit Lions back, Joique Bell. He is expected to mix in behind the presumed starter, rookie Jordan Howard:
Joique Bell signs with the #Bears on the heels of Langford suffering a high-ankle injury. Ka'Deem Carey's been dealing with a hamstring too.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) September 27, 2016
Bell enjoyed a bit of success over his four years with the Lions before being released following the 2015 season. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry and scored 22 rushing touchdowns during his time in Detroit. The situation is interesting because Bell worked out for the Lions last week but left without signing a contract. Similar to the Bears, the Lions are also looking for running back help after placing Ameer Abdullah on injured reserve with a torn ligament in his foot.
Now, Bell will be playing his first game as a Chicago Bear at Soldier Field against his former team. It’s a bit of a revenge game after Bell was unable to get another deal done with his former team. Behind Howard, the Bears have no proven running back on the roster with only Ka’Deem Carey and Raheem Mostert. Bell may also help out this weekend by providing a little insight into what his former team likes to do offensively.
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It’s safe to assume that Bell will see a couple carries on Sunday to spell Howard, so maybe he can hit pay dirt against the Lions. Regardless, the rookie out of Indiana is expected to be the lead back as he’s looked good this season averaging 5.6 yards per carry behind Langford.
Unless Howard can run away with the job, this situation may be one to avoid for fantasy purposes once Langford returns.