The Mystery That is The Detroit Backfield

[stomperrob]

Jahvid Best's career in jeopardy after doctors refuse to clear him
5:15 PM, October 15, 2012
By Dave Birkett
Detroit Free Press Sports


On the eve of the one year anniversary of his last concussion, Jahvid Best and the Lions got the news they’d been dreading.

The third-year running back was not cleared to return to football after a consultation with team and national doctors Monday, leaving his season in doubt and his career in jeopardy.

“After today’s consultation with medical experts, including representatives from our medical and training staffs, it has been determined that Jahvid will not be permitted to return to play at this time,” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said in a statement.

“Throughout this entire process we always have placed the highest priority on what is best for Jahvid from a health and safety standpoint. While today’s decision is disappointing from a football perspective, we fully and entirely respect and support this recommendation.”

Best has not played since Oct. 16 of last year when he suffered the second of two brain injuries two months apart.

He also had at least one serious concussion in college that cut short his career at Cal and caused several teams to remove him from their draft board.

con't...

more: http://www.freep.com/article/20121015/S ... xt|Detroit Lions

Sudden drop on Lions' depth chart leaves RB Smith wondering
8:49 AM, October 16, 2012
By Dave Birkett
Detroit Free Press Sports


Kevin Smith went from starting running back to buried at the bottom of the depth chart in the span of a month, and he said there’s “probably nothing” he can do to get back in the playing rotation.

Smith, who scored the final two touchdowns in the Lions’ come-from-behind win over the Rams in Week 1, was inactive for Sunday’s overtime win over the Eagles.

He hasn’t had a carry since a Sept. 16 loss to the 49ers, but insists he’s not frustrated by his sudden demotion and remains motivated.

"I really haven’t gotten any answers (to why I’m not playing) so if you ask me it has nothing to do with my production,” Smith said. “Obviously, I’m healthy — I’m 100% healthy dating back to when I came back the last part of the season (from an ankle injury). You can look at the numbers, touchdowns or whatever. So I don’t think it has anything to do with that.

“Like I said, the coaches, they call the shots and I’m perfectly fine with that. I’ve never tried to politic. I always look at it like you always take a positive out of a negative and my time will come.”

Smith said he hasn’t asked coaches for an explanation why his playing time has waned.

con't...

more: http://www.freep.com/article/20121016/S ... xt|Detroit Lions

[moochman]

Have to wonder what K Smith must have said or done (or not said or done) to get so deep into Schwartz's doghouse that he doesn't even dress.

[stomperrob]

Mikel Leshoure (undisclosed) did not practice Wednesday.
In the third quarter of last week's win over the Seahawks, we spotted Leshoure limping off the field holding his calf. He never returned. Although tight-lipped coach Jim Schwartz claimed there was no injury, he was clearly hiding the truth once again. We now have to consider Leshoure questionable for Week 9, giving Joique Bell a possible feature back role against the Jaguars.
Related: Joique Bell
Source: Anwar Richardson on Twitter
Oct 31 - 11:39 AM

http://www.rotoworld.com/playernews/nfl ... layer-news

[moochman]

yikes. Lions need someone to stay healthy. Rumors that newly acquired WR Mike Thomas from Jagtown may be used in the backfield, for swing passes one must presume.
Maybe K Smith will get another shot. Or just give Joique the damn ball! Actually love that a guy from Wayne State college is getting some run.

[m16a]

And another blow to Best and the Lions:

No surprise but Lions announced RB Jahvid Best will not play this season. Bigger question: will he ever?

LINK

[moochman]

Its a shame, but Best's career could easily be over. I cannot even rationalize how the league could allow his return. Sometimes people need protection from themselves. Mutliple concussions maybe one of those times.
At least the Lions did their job and traded for a RB. Wait, they traded for yet another WR.