Packers will Reportedly Sign RB Joique Bell
This should get the Green Bay Packers’ running game going, right? Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Packers will sign running back Joique Bell on Monday.
Help is on the way for the #Packers injury-riddled RB unit. I’m told FA RB Joique Bell is expected to sign with GB on Monday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2016
If that name sounds familiar, it should. Bell spent five years with the Detroit Lions and played in four games for the Chicago Bears this season before being released. Bell had just three carries for six yards with the Bears, which is very similar to what the last running back the Packers brought in — Knile Davis — had in Green Bay.
Bell’s best work came with the Lions from 2012-14. In each of those seasons he had at least 800 total yards. Bell recorded over 1,000 total yards in both 2013 (650 rushing, 547 receiving) and 2014 (860 rushing, 322 receiving).
Those receiving numbers would suggest that Bell is adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, the type of player we’ve long been asking for.
Of course, the guy is 30 years old and his best seasons are clearly behind him. That point makes us think of another desperation move the Packers made at the running back position. Back in 2012, they signed a 30-year-old Cedric Benson.
At that time, the Packers’ top back was the totally below-average Alex Green. Benson played in and started five games before suffering a season-ending injury.
We certainly don’t expect Bell to come in and start. Hell, after watching Davis get just three carries before getting released, we’d be surprised if Bell lasts more than a week or two.
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If he is healthy, that alone is an improvement over Starks.
So I wonder who had a setback in their recovery from injury? I guess if they sign Bell we will know Monday or Tuesday. The team does need another RB. After the Titans there will be a potential for 6 bad weather games in a row. Not to say you cannot pass in bad weather, but it can be difficult depending on the condition. I feel good that the D can thrive in bad weather game(s). The offense may have a more difficult time without another power back and some tight ends that can block (R. Rodgers). If the team is in one game that weather dictates run heavy then Bell could be worth it. Also still have the Vikings. My feeling is still the same about the Vikings you need to run the ball at them 30+ times to win. Look what the Bears did to the Vikings run D.
Whats point now?? This team sucks, BAD GM, Incompetent Head Coach. 3 game road swing (0-3) season over.