Bell (knee/Achilles) expects to be carrying the load for the Lions' running game, David Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bell said that one "can kind of consider me a rookie" as he feels as though this will be the first year he'll be a true lead back, despite collecting 147 more carries than any Lion last season. Bell's comments run counter to earlier reports that the Lions will deploy a running back by committee this season. In the end, expect a combination of the two, with Bell starting but giving way to Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick for stretches.