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Scott Polacek is the featured Columnist for December 21, 2021.
AP Photo/Nick Wass
A veteran running back is being brought in to help the Buccaneers in the stretch run of the 2021 season.
Le'Veon Bell will be signed by the reigning Super Bowl champion if he passes a physical, according to Tom Pelissero. Bell played in five games for the Baltimore Ravens this season, but he has not been able to duplicate the production of his prime when he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bell was brought to Baltimore because of injury concerns at the running back position, most notably to J.K. Dobbins. He was released in November after he averaged just 2.7 yards per carry.
There was a time when the Michigan State product was one of the best players in the league.
He was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection who finished his career with more than 1,200 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards. He was a nightmare for opposing defenses because of his shiftiness in the open field, his patience at the line of scrimmage and his ability as a pass catcher.
Bell has never been the same since he joined the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens.
Leonard Fournette is likely to miss the rest of the regular season and be placed on injured reserve with a strained left hamstring that ended his game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, as reported by Adam Schefter.
Bernard missed the loss to the Saints because he was on injured reserve.
Ronald Jones II will likely be the main running back until Fournette is ready to return, but Bell will at least provide another veteran option for a team with realistic Super Bowl ambitions.
