The Baltimore Ravens saw multiple running backs on their roster suffer season-ending injuries over the last week. First, up-and-coming rusher J.K. Dobbins suffered a torn ACL during Baltimore’s 37-3 preseason win over the Washington Football Team. Just over a week later, it was announced that running back Justice Hill tore his achilles in practice and would also miss the entirety of the 2021 season.
The two injuries left the Ravens with just two healthy running backs in Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams, so the team needed to add one (or multiple) running backs with the 2021 regular season slated to start in less than seven days.
On Tuesday Baltimore added a very accomplished player to their backfield in veteran Le’Veon Bell.
Having lost RBs J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hall to season-ending injuries, the Ravens are signing veteran RB Le’Veon Bell to their practice squad, per source. He soon is likely to be added to the 53-man roster when ready.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2021
Bell has had quite a lot of success at the NFL level, rushing for over 6,400 yards while adding over 3,200 more through the air as a receiver. He won’t be asked to play a lead-back role in the Ravens’ offense, but could definitely do some damage as a receiver and a pass blocker.
The veteran will start the year on the Ravens’ practice squad, but could quickly be moved to the active roster full-time if he plays well after his two allotted practice squad call-ups.