According to NFL Network, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised to sign veteran free agency running back Le’Veon Bell pending a physical.
Following a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans, ESPN reported that starting RB Leonard Fournette was likely heading to injured reserve for the rest of the regular season.
After their time as a potent 1-2 offensive punch in Pittsburgh, Bell and Antonio Brown would be reunited in this transfer.
The 26-year-old Fournette leads the team in carries (180), running yards (812), and rushing touchdowns (four) (eight). With 69 receptions for 454 yards and two scores, he has also made an impact in the passing game. According to the article, the Buccaneers expect Fournette to return for the playoffs.
With Fournette out, Ronald Jones II will likely shoulder the majority of the job in the backfield.
Bell, 29, played in five games for the Baltimore Ravens earlier this season. On 31 carries, he rushed for 83 yards and two scores.
Bell has run for 6,536 yards and 42 touchdowns in 93 games, making him a two-time All-Pro.
From 2013 until 2017, he and Brown played teammates with the Steelers.
Linebacker Lavonte David, who suffered a foot injury against the Saints, is also out for the rest of the regular season, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Buccaneers, like Fournette, aim to have him back for the playoffs, according to the report.
On Tuesday, the Buccaneers placed wide receiver Chris Godwin and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor on injured reserve.
