Packers place OT Bell on IR, sign G Siragusa

The Green Bay Packers placed offensive tackle Byron Bell on injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday. Guard Nico Siragusa was signed off the practice squad in a corresponding move. Bell made nine starts and 12 appearances this season before sustaining a knee injury in Green Bay's 20-17 setback to the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 2. The 29-year-old Bell, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, was one of three starters to sit out Sunday's 34-20 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. He was replaced by Justin McCray. "Byron's made a real valuable contribution, but Justin, as a coach, when you go to bed at night, you think about the faith you have in your guys and this guy is a competitor and you appreciate that," interim head coach Joe Philbin said. Bell did not commit a penalty this season for the Packers (5-7-1), who visit the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears (9-4) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET). Siragusa, who is 6-4 and 320 pounds, steps in after spending his entire rookie season in 2017 on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury in training camp. The 24-year-old Siragusa has been on the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad for all of this season after being a selected by the club in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.