Detroit Lions Hope Jahvid Best Can Return Against Chicago Bears in Week 7

The Detroit Lions are hopeful that Jahvid Best will be back in the lineup Oct. 22 when the Lions face the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The running back hasn’t suited up for the Lions since he sustained a concussion in a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct 16, 2011. It was Best’s second concussion of the year, the first coming on Aug. 19, 2011 in a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns.

Best is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but will undergo a series of tests in the coming week to see if he can be activated. According to Schefter, Best will have to get a consensus from the different doctors he’s been seeing in order to be cleared to return.

The Lions are dead last in the NFC North with a record of 1-3 and rank 24th in the NFL with an average of 90.2 rushing yards per game.

Mikel Leshoure and Kevin Smith have led the team on the ground, despite their limited play. Leshoure has 126 yards and a touchdown on 39 rushing attempts in two games, while Smith has 115 yards and a touchdown on 29 rushing attempts in three games.

The Lions need a consistent rushing attack to support Matthew Stafford and the passing game. Perhaps Best can provide the additional boost the offense needs.

In 22 career games with the Lions, Best has rushed 255 times for 945 yards and six touchdowns. He has also been a factor in the passing game with 85 receptions, 774 yards and three touchdowns.