Detroit Lions: Jahvid Best Starting Training Camp on PUP List Spells Trouble

Running back Jahvid Best claimed he wasn't worried about his concussion history in early June during this offseason. In July, doctors and Lion's representatives were quiet regarding Best's health coming into the season. Now, as of today, Best will surprisingly begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list (per ESPN).

Best has been shelved since suffering a concussion against San Francisco last season. That was Best's third concussion since joining the NFL in 2010. He was placed on the injured reserved list two weeks after the Week 6 concussion, resulting in 10 missed games last season.

Since October of last year, Best has taken time to heal from his injuries. Breaking news of him not being cleared for physical contact is an alarming red flag to the Lions, as well as Best.

Best's health concerns are documented back to his days at California. Best underwent foot and elbow surgery in 2009 due to injuries he incurred as a sophomore. The most-noted incident was the concussion suffered against Oregon State. After hurdling a defender into the end zone, Best landed on the back of his neck. He spent a night in the hospital and was unable to finish the season.

Next to Calvin Johnson, Best is arguably the Lion's biggest matchup concern for opponents. His elusive open-field moves with breakaway speed make him a nightmare for defenders to chase. Best's versatility in the passing game also gives him a distinct advantage when on the field.

Unfortunately, Best hasn't been healthy enough display his on-field talents completely. The Lions' first-round back missed 10 games last season and played almost all his rookie season with turf toe. If history continues to repeat itself, Best's career could be in major jeopardy, especially with the concussion issues the NFL has faced these past few seasons.

Best received plenty of comparisons to Brian Westbrook coming out of college because of his versatility as a running back. Today, those comparisons are rooted from all the wrong reasons.

Westbrook spent eight years with the Eagles as the feature back of the offense. His time in Philadelphia was cut short after a multitude of concussions late in his career. The longtime Eagle was released from the team in March 2010. Westbrook signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. With all the wear and tear endured, Westbrook was never the same explosive playmaker.

Best is headed down the same path after only a few years. Running backs have the shortest average timespan in the NFL of all positions, according to Livestrong.com.

At only 5'11"  and 200 pounds, Best can only take so much punishment on his body. If Best can't stay healthy, retirement could unfortunately be in his future sooner than expected.

Best's durability also creates a bad situation for the Lions, especially in the beginning of the season. Mikel Leshoure will be suspended for the first two regular-season games, including a big Monday-night showdown against the 49ers. That leaves Kevin Smith as the only back available, who, ironically enough, also has durability issues.

If the Lions are forced to add another running back via free agency, the list of names isn't pretty. Detroit attempted to strike a deal with free-agent Ryan Grant, but an agreement was never reached.

Jahvid Best is too young and too talented to deal with concerns of this magnitude. At 23, Best is a big part of the Lions rebuilding process.

It's unknown on when he will be ready to go, but the sooner the better for Best and the Lions.