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After rookie fourth-round pick Johnathan Franklin was put on Injured Reserve last week, the Packers carried just two running backs on the 53-man roster into their game with the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. Certainly, that's not a number that lends itself to sustained success, though Eddie Lacy has been taking the bulk of the carries ahead of James Starks.
It appears that number will go up to three, as former Chicago Bear running back Kahlil Bell just tweeted the following:
So greatful for this opportunity to be apart of the Green Bay Packers Its been a long year but kept the faith n kept fighting! Im a Packer!!
— Kahlil Bell (@KahlilBell32) December 2, 2013
Well, then, it seems that Bell will be added to the running back stable shortly. He certainly is not eligible for the practice squad, as he played 24 games with the Bears from 2009-2012, including three starts to end the 2011 season. Bell has 633 yards on 148 career carries, and added 148 yards and a touchdown on 21 receptions as a Bear. The 6-foot, 219-pound Bell would likely contribute on special teams and the occasional snap on offense over the last four weeks of the season. He has not been on an NFL roster this season.
Bell's best NFL game came against the Packers, and it isn't even close. He rushed 23 times for 121 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards in a 35-21 loss at Lambeau Field on Christmas Day, 2011.
We will update with confirmation from the team as soon as it is announced, along with the corresponding transaction.
UPDATE: It's not confirmation from the team itself, but ESPN Packers beat writer Rob Demovsky confirmed Bell's signing around 4 PM Central.
