Detroit’s Kevin Jones to miss significant portion of season on PUP list; Bell’s stock rising

In some important fantasy football news, Kevin Jones will reportedly remain on the Detroit Lions’ PUP (physically unable to perform) list and miss the first 5 games of the season. He would miss more, but the team’s week 6 bye is a bit of a saving grace for him.

Unfortunately for Jones, the starting role will be passed on to a very capable back who started for the Denver Broncos last season — Tatum Bell. Blessed with great speed, Bell has already made an impression on the Detroit coaching staff in camp. No doubt Mike Martz will enjoy using Bell’s many talents in his pass-happy, electrifying offense.

The problems Jones faces now will be returning to the starting lineup after he is cleared from the PUP list and is able to play. Bell will no doubt work hard to keep the spot and five games is significant playing time which could amount to 100+ touches.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Jones does return to the starting lineup for the second half of the season, however, and I wouldn’t draft Bell any higher than a RB3 for now. But he definitely has the potential to make a difference for fantasy offenses for the first 5 games of the season.

But before you go out and draft him, understand that he won’t necessarily receive many goal line carries. It’s what will annoy fantasy owners most, no doubt. Those duties will likely go to bruiser TJ Duckett.