Through two games, Reggie Bush has already been injured three times. He has hurt his finger, his groin and his knee. Although none have been season threatening, he is still missing a fair amount of time. For Sunday’s game against the Redskins, Bush is said to have a fifty-fifty chance at playing.
Considering that Bush is a big part of the Lions offense, it is necessary that they have a suitable backup. The Lions have that this year in Joique Bell. He is a hard runner with pass catching ability that can help the Lions on a regular basis.
Bell is a Michigan native who was born in Benton Harbor in 1986. He attended Wayne State University for football. He won the Harlon Hill Trophy his senior year rushing for 2,084 yards and 29 touchdowns. The Harlon Hill Trophy is the award that is given to the most valuable player in NCAA Division II. It is basically the Heisman trophy at the Division II level.
Following his award winning season, he went undrafted in 2010. After going undrafted he bounced around on several practice squads. Originally he was signed by the Buffalo Bills to their practice squad but was signed off of it by the Eagles.
In the same year, he was cut by the Eagles and claimed by the Colts. He played in 5 games for the Colts but registered no stats. The Colts eventually cut him and he was resigned by the Eagles. He appeared in three games before being cut by them yet again.
In 2011 he signed with New Orleans’ practice squad. The Lions signed him off the Saints’ practice squad when they were dealing with running back injuries. He made his debut for the Lions September 9th, 2012. In his first season for the Lions, he racked up 414 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 82 carries. He also had 52 catches for 485 in his first season with the Lions.
His production led the Lions to resign him before the 2013 season. He is now an important part of the Lions offense. His versatility and his determination have created a spot for him on this team. He is a more than capable replacement for Reggie Bush.
Bell will most likely get a lot of use Sunday even if Bush ends up playing. The Lions play the 0-2 Redskins on Sunday at 1.
About Post Author
