Joique Bell leaves Green Bay without contract

When news first surfaced that Joique Bell had a meeting scheduled with the Green Bay Packers, many reported that the team planned to sign the free-agent running back. However, Bell left Green Bay Tuesday without a contract, according to Packer Report's Bill Huber.

With a backfield ravaged by injury, the Packers have spent the past few weeks looking for viable reinforcements. Wide receiver Ty Montgomery and Don Jackson have handled most of the backfield work over the past two weeks, but neither has established themselves as more than part-time contributors. Accordingly, the Packers took a look at Bell, a seven-year veteran who spent most of his career with the Detroit Lions and part of this season with the Chicago Bears.

Two years ago, Bell served as the primary ball carrier for the Lions. That season, he ran the ball 223 times for 860 yards (3.9-yard average) and seven touchdowns. He also added 34 catches for 322 yards and a score. Bell's productivity fell in the seasons that followed, however, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt in 2015 and just 2 yards during a four-game stint with the Bears this past October.

Green Bay did add a running back earlier Tuesday, signing Joe Kerridge from the practice squad to replace waived safety Jermaine Whitehead. Kerridge's addition does not necessarily eliminate the chance Bell joins the team, but it certainly raises questions about its interest in him moving forward.

Since entering the league in 2010, Bell has amassed 2,241 yards on 564 carries and another 1,640 on 161 receptions. He has 23 total touchdowns.