The Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Le’Veon Bell. The 29-year-old initially joins the practice squad, according to a report from ESPN.
Bell’s signing comes in the wake of the injury woes in the Ravens’ backfield, which has already lost running back J.K. Dobbins for the entire season. He tore his ACL in the final preseason game. In addition, backup Justice Hill tore his Achilles tendon last Thursday and will also be out completely.
Bell, who most recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs, had a tryout with the Ravens on Monday and could be called up to the active roster for any game due to rules in place since last year, should the Ravens not add him to the 53-player roster on time after all.
Embed from Getty ImagesCurrently, the Ravens only have Gus Edwards and backup Ty’Son Williams in the backfield.
I see him – at this point in his career – as RB3 in the Ravens Offense. Most likely a role as a primary receiving back if he plays. Bell at least brings a different skill set than the backs currently with the Ravens. Definitely, he’s not the downhill runner the Ravens otherwise prefer in their Option Offense.
You have to keep an eye on whether Bell gets activated from the practice squad and plays. If so, he could very well become an option in deep PPR leagues.
Bell had his greatest time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens’ archrival. There, he reached the Pro Bowl three times from 2013 to 2017 and was twice selected to the All-Pro First Team. After a year off due to a contract dispute, he joined the New York Jets, who released him in 2020. He eventually made nine games with the Chiefs the previous year but, as with Jets, was hardly a factor.
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