Joique Bell Is Must-Start Fantasy Option in Week 11 Due to Reggie Bush's Injury

When the Detroit Lions play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, fantasy owners should be riding with running back Joique Bell instead of the injured Reggie Bush.

According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, head coach Jim Caldwell and the Lions organization may sit Bush for an extended amount of time in order for him to recover fully from a nagging ankle injury:

If Bush is indeed sidelined for Sunday’s game, fantasy owners should start Bell as their flex this week despite a tough matchup.

Arizona has given up the third fewest rushing yards per game this season (78.6), but the defense has been beaten by talented players like Dallas' DeMarco Murray and Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy over the last three weeks.

The matchup against the Cardinals would intimidate many backs, but Bell is coming off a battle against the 10th-ranked Miami Dolphins in Week 10. While his 10 carries for 44 yards wasn’t overly impressive on paper, he ran strong and was breaking tackles.

With the full workload on his shoulders, Bell should expect closer to 18 carries this week.

Backup Theo Riddick will also see an increase in his touches, but Bell has earned the right to start the game and put a firm grasp on the starting job. As long as the game plan keeps Bell fresh and the defense on its heels, Bell will be able to find the lanes and hit them with authority.

Fantasy owners should expect 18 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown on the ground and three receptions for 25 yards from Bell. In a standard-scoring league, Bell will be worth a start as a flex every week Bush is ruled inactive.

*Stats via NFL.com.