Joique Bell steps right in with first team

Zach Zenner is the hot new thing in the Detroit Lions backfield. Ameer Abdullah just might have the most raw talent.

But here's your friendly reminder that Joique Bell remains the Lions' No. 1 tailback — for now, at least.

Bell was activated off the physically unable to perform list Monday, and immediately returned to repping with the first-unit offense ahead of Abdullah, Zenner, Theo Riddick and George Winn. He was listed first on the depth chart, too, though he is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason finale against Buffalo

"I did everything with the ones," Bell said. "I was limited, as far as reps, but I did everything. Everything from team blitz to regular team."

The Lions struggled to rush the football last year, but Bell was able to produce anyway after a slow start, averaging 4.2 yards per carry in the second half of the year. He was on pace for a 1,000-yard season during that stretch. He rushed 223 times for a career-best 860 yards and a team-best seven touchdowns, and eclipsed Reggie Bush as the team's primary tailback. A year later, Bell remains entrenched in that role to open this season despite some promising early returns from Abdullah and Zenner.