Joique Bell Tries to Muscle Past Mikel Leshoure

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The Detroit Lions made a splash this offseason when they signed free agent running back Reggie Bush. Adding a dynamic receiving running back like Bush to the team was a big win for the Lions.

But the question that remains for fantasy owners is which running back will most often shadow Bush throughout the year? Some early reports indicate Joique Bell is making a strong case to pass Mikel Leshoure on the depth chart.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz told The Detorit Free Press that he’s been very impressed with Bell’s work ethic during the offseason. Other reports have pointed out that Bell took several reps with the second team during OTAs and other practice sessions.

While no official depth chart will be set for weeks, the backup running back situation in Detroit may be something for fantasy owners to keep in the back of their mind. Bush has the talent — and the big contract — to warrant the majority of touches out of the backfield, but the former Heisman Trophy winner has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Although, it should be noted that Bush has played in all but one game over the past two seasons.

Should something happen to Bush, Bell made a good case to get the ball in limited work last year. He averaged five yards per carry on 82 attempts and made 52 catches for 485 yards.

Lions RB Mikel LeShoure Visited by Ghost of Injuries Past

Lions running back Mikel LeShoure has dealt with his fair share of injuries and it looks like some of them are coming back to haunt him. At this point, Detroit coach Jim Schwartz refuses to elaborate on the exact nature of LeShoure’s injury.

Schwartz will only say that LeShoure is having some issues, but is confident that he will be ready for the start of the season.

The Lions are committed to improving the team’s running attack with the recent acquisition of Reggie Bush out of Miami. LeShoure is still likely to play a major role in the team’s offense and should get plenty of chances to punch the ball in at the goal line.

With Bush as the lead back, LeShoure should be able to reduce some of the stress on his body, although this mystery injury is a concern.