Detroit Lions fans will get to see Joique Bell back on the NFL gridiron this Sunday…unfortunately, he will be in an enemy uniform and on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage thanks to action by the Chicago Bears.
When the Lions play the Bears Sunday at Soldier Field, Joique Bell will be sporting Bears gear according to the NFL Network. They are reporting he is signing on with Chicago to replace another Michigan sports star, Michigan State tailback Jeremy Langford who is suffering a leg injury and is sidelined.
Lions fans, especially locally, had been extremely hopeful that the Benton Harbor star running back would find his way back onto the Lions roster when Ameer Abdullah was placed on injured reserve with a torn ligament in his foot. Instead, the Lions stood down, taking a pass on Bell, electing to head into Green Bay last weekend with Theo Riddick as their number one. Rookie Dwayne Washington joined Riddick in the backfield and each carried the ball ten times in the losing effort at Lambeau Field.
Bell, who is 30 now, had been a Lion from 2011 through 2015 and began a year ago as a starter. He ended up being cut after the end of the season and was replaced in the back field by Abdullah. There is still no word on if Abdullah is out for the season at this point.
Lions coaches passed on Bell and now the Bears have grabbed him up. Bell's long time Benton Harbor friend Allan Volker was one of the first to respond to the news posting this message on Facebook today:
I am very happy for my friend, Joique Bell. Unfortunately, he is now a Chicago Bear. I will always support him, continue to help his foundation, and will root for him every Sunday, as long as he is not playing against the Lions. I know his heart was in Detroit, but it wasn't meant to be.
There are undoubtedly others among us who share Allan's feelings, and wish Joique nothing but the best. He is a true gentleman and a superstar in the eyes of many hometown here on the shores of Lake Michigan.
