With Thin Backfield, Le'Veon Bell May Actually Get Some Run With Ravens This Weekend

The Baltimore Raves didn't just sign Le'Veon Bell because most NFL fans have heard of him. They want him to play.

"Le'Veon's a guy I think we're very familiar with obviously," Ravens coach John Harbaugh tells reporters. "We've played against him so many times in so many highly competitive, emotional games. It was fun to have him in for the workout, he had a good workout. Practiced yesterday, did a good job. So, we'll have a process with him. He's excited, he's learning and we'll see where it goes."

There's reportedly a chance Bell could suit up Sunday's season opener at the Los Angeles Raiders. This is despite the fact he was picked up earlier this week and has taken part in just two practices.

But the Ravens need a running back after the season-ending injuries to starter JK Dobbins and backup Justice Hill. Bell, 29, could prove to be the answer.

After a successful run with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2017-18, he sat out the 2018 season in a contract dispute. He hasn't really been the same since.

He signed a massive four-year deal with the Jets in 2019, but was cut just midway through his second season -- solely due to a lack of production. He then joined the Chiefs for the second half of 2020, compiling 254 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns in nine games.

Now, he's getting an opportunity to be the featured guy once again. The question is, will he be something close to the Bell of his early career, or the so-so player of the past three or four years?

Clearly, the Ravens are just desperate enough to find out.