FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/17/2008 4:56pm et

Denver Broncos RB Tatum Bell rushed for 34 yards on seven carries in the team's Week 11 game. He should continue to be part of a running back rotation while he gets into football shape.

The Huddle Take: With Bell, Peyton Hillis and P.J. Pope sharing carries, it'll be hard to put much faith in any of them. Hillis may be the best best, since he'll likely get the most goal line carries.

Posted: 11/13/2008 12:34pm et

The Rocky Mountain News reports Denver Broncos RB Tatum Bell might not be in football shape just yet. "He was the only one left," joked Broncos coach Mike Shanahan when asked why he signed Bell. "Tatum has played well when he's played here. I think he's averaged around five yards ... obviously we needed someone who is familiar with our system and terminology. I don't think he's in great football shape yet, but hopefully in a short time he will be."

The Huddle Take: Making off with another guys luggage provides only so much of an aerobic workout. Expect Jay Cutler and the Denver passing game to carry the offensive load for the Broncos; anything they can get from Bell or Peyton Hillis or whomever else Shanahan brings in off the street would have to be considered a bonus.

Posted: 11/11/2008 2:29pm et

Updating a previous report, the NFL Network reports the Denver Broncos will sign free-agent RB Tatum Bell (Lions) after he passed his physical Tuesday, Nov. 11. He is expected to play in the team's Week 11 game.

The Huddle Take: Since Bell already knows the offense, the transition period shouldn't be too difficult for him. And since the Broncos were basically down to one healthy back, look for Bell to get a lot of carries this week against Atlanta. Bell knows this is more than likely his last shot in the league; maybe that knowledge will spur him to some significant production the rest of the season. Assuming he can stay healthy, of course -- which has been a problem for just about every Denver running back.

Posted: 9/6/2008 4:56pm et

Updating previous reports, Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports free-agent RB Tatum Bell (Lions) feels NFL teams will shy away from signing him until the matter surrounding him taking Detroit Lions RB Rudi Johnson's luggage is cleared up. Bell, as reported, said he did not realize they were Johnson's bags and have since returned them. However, Johnson claims several items - including money, credit cards and underwear - are still missing. Since the incident, Bell said teams have not contacted him about coming in for a visit.

The Huddle Take: Lets face it, whether the story is true or not, Tatum's career is likely over.

Posted: 9/3/2008 2:37pm et

ESPNews reports free-agent RB Tatum Bell (Lions) worked out with the Houston Texans.

The Huddle Take: What makes this interesting is Tatum Bell is well acclaimated to Houston's offensive scheme since it is very similar to what he operated in when he was with the Denver Broncos. With the Texans having a rash of bad luck with running backs and their best runner being a rookie with a bad toe in Steve Slaton, there is a chance Bell could stick with this team. Hopefully, he didn't bring any luggage for another player in Houston to hide when he arrives.

Posted: 9/2/2008 1:31am et

FOX 31 News in Colorado reports Detroit Lions RB Tatum Bell has been released from the team.

The Huddle Take: Not a ton of news here. Rudi Johnson's signing was the death toll for Bell's time with the team. Owners who drafted early may have to make adjustments.

Posted: 8/8/2008 9:44am et

The Associated Press reports Detroit Lions RB Tatum Bell struggled with the first-team offense Thursday, Aug. 7, rushing for eight yards off seven carries in the team's preseason opener.

The Huddle Take: Kevin Smith was only marginally better, picking up 22 yards on eight carries. Score the first round of the battle to be Detroit's primary ball-carrier a yawn-inducing draw.

Posted: 7/24/2008 10:28pm et

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli stated RB Tatum Bell has a great opportunity with the Lions this year. 'He's in tremendous shape. He's lean and he's fast. He's really got great speed. We just have to be smart with him and work. We're counting on him,' Marinelli said. He added that he really respected how Bell handled the 2007 season and noted Bell is now in the running system he was in with the Denver Broncos. Bell, as reported, is competing for the No. 1 tailback duties.

The Huddle Take: Bell heads into training camp as the No. 1 starter for Detroit but he has some serious competition from Kevin Smith the Lions 3rd round pick. The veteran Bell has the right situation to become the starter but it is uncertain if he can handle a full workload as an every down back. In the past he has worked well sharing carries with other backs and that is the likely scenario for Bell again this season. Look at him as a No. 3 or No. 4 running back in fantasy leagues.

Posted: 7/22/2008 5:09pm et

The Detroit News reports Detroit Lions RBs Tatum Bell and rookie Kevin Smith will battle in training camp for the top job at tailback. Both have experience in zone-blocking schemes, which should help.

The Huddle Take: Look for this to be yet another example of a running back by committee, with neither back being worthy of a pick any higher than the middle rounds.

Posted: 6/26/2008 11:01pm et

ESPN.com reports Detroit Lions RB Tatum Bell is expected to be the starting running back. Bell is most familiar with the new zone-blocking scheme the offense is using because that is what the Denver Broncos used when he played for them.

The Huddle Take: With Tatum Bell no longer in the shadow of the recently released Kevin Jones in Detroit, expect the former Bronco runner to start the season as the Lions starter. Brian Calhoun and rookie Kevin Smith will both compete for carries but the job should be Bell's to lose at this point. Fantasy owners should consider the inconsistent Bell a No. 2 running back with some upside however expect for the Lions to utilize a running back by committee approach involving both Calhoun and Smith as the season wears on.