New Orleans Saints RB Mike Bell (MCL sprain) has been cleared to play, a league source told Scout.com.

Bell suffered his injury during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 20. The injury that he suffered typically takes two to four weeks to heal. It's a similar injury which RB Pierre Thomas suffered in August, but Thomas' MCL sprain took about four weeks to heal.

Bell started running and cutting on his injured knee last week, the source added. The Saints have a bye in Week Five.

When Bell comes back to play against the New York Giants in Week Six, he's expected to split carries with Thomas. RB Reggie Bush is expected to see most of his playing time in passing situations.

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