Ex-Pro Bowl RB Le’Veon Bell Joins the Ravens’ Practice Squad

Le'Veon Bell
Le'Veon Bell in 2016. Photo by Jason Pohuski/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (6118638js)

After failing to attract interest from NFL teams for the better part of the offseason, Le’Veon Bell finally received a chance to play football in 2021. According to the NFL Network, Bell signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining the team’s practice squad.

Bell still has a long way before carving a meaningful role on the Ravens, but the move does allow him to have a shot at a roster spot if he impresses during practices.

The Ravens found themselves in need of a running back after their RB core was hit with multiple injuries. They first lost their starter J.K. Dobbins, who suffered a season-ending injury during the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. They then saw third-year-back Justice Hill go down with torn Achilles that will end his 2021 campaign prematurely.

Baltimore will most likely turn to last year’s backup Gus Edwards as their leading running back in Week 1 while the 2020 undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams will occupy the No. 2 spot.

Earlier in his career, Le’Veon Bell was considered one of the best running backs in the league. However, after a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell decided to sit out the entire 2018 NFL season. This allowed him to hit the free agency in 2019 and sign with the New York Jets, who made him the second highest-paid running back in NFL.

From that point on, Bell’s career took a downward spiral. He had a disappointing campaign in 2019 and continued to struggle in 2020, prompting the Jets to release him midway through the season despite significant cap space implications. The 29-year-old star settled down with the Kansas City Chiefs for the remainder of the year but failed to impress the franchise enough to give him a new deal.

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