|
With Rudi Johnson on board, Lions release Bell
By PFW staff
Sept. 2, 2008
It was just a matter of time for RB Tatum Bell, who made the Lions’ initial 53-man roster but was deemed unneeded once the team signed RB Rudi Johnson off waivers from the Bengals.
Bell was released Tuesday morning.
He opened last season as the team’s starter but was inactive for the final 11 games. He appeared to be in line for playing time this season but was beaten out by rookie Kevin Smith and didn’t do enough during the preseason to warrant keeping around, especially considering Bell doesn’t play much on special teams.
Johnson is expected to join the Lions’ RB group and should earn carries, but Smith likely will open as the starter on Sunday against the Falcons. Johnson ran for 497 yards last season — his lowest total since 2002 — and was put on the trade block this preseason before being released.
|
