Joique Bell Injury: Updates on Lions Star's Achilles and Return

Running the football has been a challenge for the Detroit Lions all year. It figures to be even more difficult with Joique Bell dealing with an Achilles injury. He is active vs. Detroit in Week 17.

Continue for updates. 

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Bell Active vs. Packers

Sunday, Dec. 28

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press confirmed that Joique Bell is active for Week 17.

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Bell Practices in Full on Friday

Friday, Dec. 26

Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk provides an update on Bell's status:

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However, while Fairley is likely out, tailback Joique Bell (Achilles) and wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) look set to play Sunday with their ailments. Bell went through a full practice Thursday, while Johnson was limited.

 

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Bell Battles Achilles Injury

Thursday, Dec. 25

According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, Bell is suffering from an Achilles injury:

Despite having Reggie Bush on the roster, Bell has become Detroit's No. 1 running back this season. Some of that has to do with Bush's injury woes this season, but don't underestimate how well Bell has played.

Entering Week 17, the fourth-year player has accumulated 800 yards and seven rushing touchdowns this season on 210 attempts.

A big problem for Bell in the past had been just getting enough touches. However, Bell has received double-digit touches in all but one game this season.

Bell did have his best success, per carry, this season against an Arizona defense that ranks among the best against the run. He had 85 yards on 14 carries in that game, good for a season-best 6.1 yards per carry. That performance wasn't without cost, though, as the 28-year-old did leave that game with an ankle injury. 

Bell's status is huge for Detroit because of how inconsistent the offense has been. He's not a dynamic, game-changing running back, but brings a physical element and the ability to pick up tough yardage in the trenches. They need that for their Week 17 clash with Green Bay as the winner will be crowned NFC North division champion.

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