Speaking Monday, Detroit head coach Jim Caldwell said that running back Joique Bell is "not quite where he used to be," according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein.
Joique Bell ‘not where he used to be,’ for Lions, fantasy owners
The Detroit Lions have sputtered out of the gate, as has starting running back Joique Bell. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Caldwell added that he still believes Bell can get there, although it’s fair for onlookers to wonder when he expects that to happen. Bell sat out the entire preseason as he recovered from a knee surgery and has looked anything but spry upon his return, amassing just 22 yards on 20 carries over the course of the season.
Rookie Ameer Abdullah continues to dominate snaps, although there is still plenty of room for the rookie to occupy if Bell’s role was to diminish.
Fantasy impact: There’s officially no reason for Bell’s owners to plug him into lineups until he gives them reason to. Though he’s officially “starting,” that designation doesn’t carry any clout with Abdullah playing 37 snaps to his 25 in Sunday night’s loss.
Bell plays enough of a role to warrant stashing on rosters, and there’s still a chance that he reclaims his form. But until that happens, owners should keep Bell on benches for every reason other than total desperation.
