John Harbaugh says 'there's a chance' Ravens' Le'Veon Bell could be active for 'Monday Night Football' opener

The Ravens signed Bell to the practice squad earlier this week

After losing two of their top four running backs to season-ending injuries suffered during training camp, the Baltimore Ravens signed a veteran with whom they are extremely familiar: longtime Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. 

Gus Edwards was expected to operate as the team's lead back with J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill sidelined, but he appears to have suffered his own ACL tear on Thursday. If that's the case, Ty'Son Williams, who received positive reviews during training camp, and Trenton Cannon would be the only healthy running backs on the Ravens' active roster.

The Ravens only signed Bell on Tuesday, but he may not be on the practice squad long. According to coach John Harbaugh, "there's a chance" Bell could be active for the Ravens as soon as the season opener on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

"Le'Veon's a guy I think we're very familiar with obviously," Harbaugh said, per NFL.com. "We've played against him so many times in so many highly competitive, emotional games. It was fun to have him in for the workout, he had a good workout. Practiced yesterday, did a good job. So, we'll have a process with him. He's excited, he's learning and we'll see where it goes."

The Ravens signed Bell to the practice squad, so they would need to elevate him to the active roster before playing in Monday's game. That means the Ravens would have to make a corresponding roster move, releasing one of the players currently on their 53-man roster. 

Bell spent much of last season with the Kansas City Chiefs after being released just over a year into his big-money contract with the New York Jets. He was largely ineffective in Kansas City and did not play in either the AFC title game or Super Bowl. He's several years removed from his last Pro Bowl season, and it's likely he would be used as a change-of-pace and pass-catching option behind Williams if he does make it to the active roster. 

The Ravens are loaded again. Is this the year Lamar Jackson wins it all? For breaking news, analysis and player insights, download the CBS Sports app right now. Favorite the Ravens now if you already have the app.