Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
It was reported yesterday that the Detroit Lions may hold running back Reggie Bush out of their game against the Washington Redskins this Sunday. The glass-like Bush has sustained multiple injuries through the first two weeks of the season and although he returned to practice on Friday and looked good, the Lions apparently might still elect to give him an additional week of rest. It would be a smart move considering they’re about the play the worst defense in the league so far. Whether he plays or not, however, the news is all good for backup running back Joique Bell.
Bell has been pretty impressive through two games. He’s rushed for 56 yards on 14 carries, which admittedly is good but not great, but he’s also caught 10 passes for 108 yards. Sprinkle in two touchdowns on the ground and you have some pretty nice flex appeal. He averaged five yards per carry on 82 rushing attempts as a rookie last season, flashing good potential in limited action. He’s a proven threat in the passing game as he had 52 receptions last year as well. Not too shabby for a guy who went undrafted…
The Redskins rank dead-last in the league against the run after allowing 184 yards to LeSean McCoy in Week 1 and 132 to James Starks last week. Right now it seems like they couldn’t stop a turtle walking backwards, so I don’t think I’m going out on a limb when I say they’re likely to get shredded by whoever carries the ball tomorrow. If Bush plays, odds are he still won’t have a normal workload. It wouldn’t make sense for the Lions to give him one since they can probably do just as much damage with Bell in there. Bush or no Bush, Bell is going to be on the field for a good chunk of the game.
At the very least, he has excellent flex or RB2 appeal, and if Bush doesn’t play you can elevate him to RB1 status in this one. The Lions are primed to put the hurt on the Redskins’ defense, and one way or another, Bell will be involved in the demolition.
Dan Freeman is a Fantasy football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanFreeman88.
