The Detroit Lions have decided to bring in two running backs as insurance after losing Mikel Leshoure for the season. The team announced on Tuesday morning that it signed both Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell, who were actually traded for each other by the Eagles and Browns last season.
Harrison grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and went to Washington State. He entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2006 and spent the first four full years of his career in Cleveland. His best season with the Browns came in 2009 when he rushed for 862 yards and five touchdowns on 194 attempts. He also had 220 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns that year.
Harrison was traded to Philadelphia last October for Bell. With the Eagles Harrison rushed for 239 yards and one touchdown in eight games, and Bell rushed for only 71 yards in 11 games for the Browns. Before being dealt to Cleveland, Bell gained only 28 yards in five games for Philadelphia. Prior to signing with the Eagles, Bell played for the Broncos and Saints. His best season came in 2006 -- his rookie year -- when he gained 677 yards and had eight touchdowns on 157 carries. He also picked up 158 receiving yards that season.
To make room on the roster for these two players, the Lions released fullback Preston Dial and waived/injured cornerback Maurice Leggett.