Pro Football weekly

The Chicago Bears have placed running back Michael Bush on season-ending injured reserve because of a rib injury and signed Bell to take his place.||||||| Losing Bush is another blow for the struggling Bears. They've dropped five of six after a 7-1 start and are coming off a loss to Green Bay that clinched the NFC North for the Packers. Signed to a four-year deal to give the Bears depth in the backfield with Matt Forte, Bush appeared in 13 games and ran for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Bell was waived by Chicago in October.

The Jets signed Bell, who spent parts of the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears.||||||| Bell will add depth to a banged-up backfield with backups Joe McKnight (sprained right ankle) and Bilal Powell (concussion) uncertain to play against St. Louis on Sunday.

Bell was released Monday.||||||| Bell appeared in two games for the Bears this season and had 32 rushing yards on 12 carries along with an 11-yard reception.

The Chicago Bears have signed Bell to a one-year contract, bringing back the running back with Matt Forte's status uncertain.||||||| Forte left Thursday's loss to Green Bay with what several outlets reported was a high right ankle sprain. Bell, who was waived last month, played 20 games for the Bears over three seasons and made three starts, including the final two last year. He ran for 557 yards on 119 attempts and also caught 20 passes for 137 yards and a TD during that time.