Bell facing 4-game suspension

Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell is facing a 4-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Bell reportedly missed, rather than failed, a test. He's in the drug program after getting caught with marijuana back in 2014. Bell has appealed the suspension, and a final decision is expected before the start of the regular season. For now, fantasy owners need to assume he'll miss the first 4 games. It's a big blow to a guy who already came with significant injury risk. Bell will still carry as much upside as any RB in fantasy football over the final 12 games, though, and might present value if he drops too far in drafts. The big winner here is obviously RB DeAngelo Williams, who will operate as Pittsburgh's feature back while Bell is out. In his 9 full games without Bell last year, Williams averaged 19.2 carries, 88.1 rushing yards, 3.7 catches, 34.1 receiving yards and 1.2 TDs. That’s a 16-game pace of 1,955 total yards and 19 TDs that would have made him the #1 RB in fantasy.

The Bucs are set to sign RB Le'Veon Bell, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Bell appeared in 5 games for the Ravens earlier this season -- and looked washed up, mustering just 2.7 yards per carry. The Bucs are expected to be without RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) for the rest of the regular season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, so Bell provides some depth. He might immediately slot in ahead of RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn. But Bell isn't a threat to RB Ronald Jones and won't be a fantasy option without a Jones injury.

The Ravens released RB Le'Veon Bell. The 29-year-old is clearly out of gas, averaging 2.7 yards across 31 carries for Baltimore. Devonta Freeman has emerged as the Ravens' clear lead back over the past few weeks. We'll see if RB Latavius Murray (ankle) is able to return for this Sunday's game vs. the Bears.

The Ravens activated RB Le'Veon Bell from the practice squad. He's eligible to play vs. the Broncos tomorrow. We'll see if Baltimore has Bell, Ty'Son Williams, Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman active for that one. Williams remains the best fantasy bet -- but Bell's presence makes his profile a bit shakier.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo believes there's a "shot" RB Le'Veon Bell makes his Ravens debut against the Broncos tomorrow. Baltimore has been using Ty'Son Williams, Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman the past 2 weeks. It's unclear where exactly Bell would fit in the pecking order. He's certainly not a Week 4 fantasy option but is a decent stash in deeper fantasy leagues.

The Ravens won't be activating RB Le'Veon Bell or Devonta Freeman from the practice squad ahead of tonight's game against the Raiders. They instead elevated CB Anthony Levine Sr. and DL Justin Ellis to help cover injuries at those positions. That leaves Ty'Son Williams as the expected lead back vs. Vegas, with Latavius Murray and Trenton Cannon behind him.