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The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed running back Joique Bell to their active roster, according to the Detroit Free Press. With a struggling rushing attack since starter Jahvid Best went down with a concussion, and was subsequently placed on injured reserve, many have felt the Lions were going to add some help at the position. Kevin Smith has been the guy to depend on, but he himself has plenty of injury history and has a paltry 3.3 and 2.9 per-carry average over the last two weeks.
Smith had played well after being signed off of the street, gashing the Carolina Panthers for 140 yards, and then he looked good against the Green Bay Packers before going down with an injury and eventually missing a game. He was questionable leading up to Saturday's game against the San Diego Chargers.
Detroit signed Bell, who played college ball at Wayne State in Detroit, off of the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Bell has also spent time with the Bills, Eagles and Colts. He spent some time on the Saints active roster this season, but has been on the practice squad since week three. There's a good chance that he is active for Week 17, what with the Lions having already clinched a playoff berth.
Joique Bell Officially Signed By Lions, Aaron Brown Released To Make Room
In a move that suggests the Detroit Lions needed better running back depth as opposed to just running back depth, the team released Aaron Brown on Tuesday, to officially make room for and sign Joique Bell. The team had apparently agreed to terms with Bell on Monday, but it was unclear who would be getting released. Bell played college ball at Wayne State in Detroit, and was signed off of the New Orleans Saints practice squad.
Brown was initially a casualty of the final round of NFL roster cuts at the beginning of the season, but was brought back when starter Jahvid Best was placed on injured reserve with a concussion. Since then, Kevin Smith has become the guy in Detroit, but he's also been hampered with some injuries. Brown only had one carry, for no yardage, and a reception for nine yards in his only NFL action this season.
Bell will wear No. 35 for the Lions and is likely to be active in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers. If he plays well, there's a chance he could make an appearance in the playoffs. At this point, Detroit is just looking for one of their backs to really show a spark offensively to contribute to the solid play of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Dec 27 3:20p by James Brady