Report: Bears signing Joique Bell

Injuries in the offensive backfield have forced the Chicago Bears to turn their attention to the free-agent market.

With Jeremy Langford reportedly facing a four-to-six week recovery timeline for his ailing ankle, the Bears are set to sign veteran running back Joique Bell, a source told NFL insider Rand Getlin.

Bell was available throughout the offseason after his five-year stint with the Detroit Lions came to an end by way of a February release.

Interest in his services seemed to be heating up in recent weeks, though, and it's the Bears who strike first as a means of adding some much-needed depth at the position.

Chicago should continue to place an emphasis on the ground game with quarterback Jay Cutler's absence. Bell provides insurance as an early down ball-carrier alongside fifth-round rookie Jordan Howard, as Langford and Ka'Deem Carey deal with injuries.