Lions bring back Joique Bell, put Armonty Bryant on injured reserve

Allen Park -- Needing running back depth, the Detroit Lions are bringing back a familiar face, signing Joique Bell on Tuesday. To clear the roster spot, the Lions placed defensive end Armonty Bryant on injured reserve.

Bell, a Benton Harbor native and Wayne State alum, spent parts of five seasons with the Lions before he was released in February. He appeared in 60 games for the team, rushing for 2,235 yards and adding another 1,640 yards on 160 receptions.

Bell had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears this season. He comes back to the Lions, who are dealing with a banged-up backfield. Starter Theo Riddick has been nursing an ankle injury for weeks and backup Dwayne Washington suffered an ankle injury against the Saints this weekend.

Third-stringer Zach Zenner played much of the second half against the Saints, leading the team with 40 yards on nine carries.

As for Bryant, he had just returned from a three-game suspension and played 27 snaps against the Saints. While there was no indication of a problem during the game, he is heading to IR with a knee injury.

An effective pass rusher, Bryant recorded three sacks in five games for the Lions after being claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. 

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