Jahvid Best Injury: 5 Detroit Lions Who Must Step Up for Injured RB

Chris TrapassoOct 17, 2011

We aren't sure how long Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will be out with his second concussion of the season, but there have been reports that he could be placed on the IR, ending his 2011 season.

In the best case scenario, Best will be out close to a month, especially with his concussion history.

Either way, there are a handful of Lions players who must step up with Best on the sideline...

1. Matthew Stafford

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It would be easy to first slate Best's running back replacement as the guys who need to step up the most.

They certainly need to raise the level of their game, but I think the most pressure falls on quarterback Matt Stafford.

He was humbled against a stout 49ers defense on Sunday, and something just seemed off about his demeanor in the fourth quarter.

Opposing defenses won't have as much respect for the run with Best out, so he must play even better than he already has this season.

2. Maurice Morris

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By default.

Morris will most likely become the feature back in Detroit and he needs to step up.

Big time.

If he can provide a spark to the Lions running game, they'll be extremely tough to stop. So far this season, Detroit is only averaging 91 rushing yards per-game.

Yes, the passing attack is among the league's best, but they can't truly contend if they become one-dimensional.

3. Jerome Harrison/Keiland Williams

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Harrison and Williams will assume the role of back-up runner to Maurice Morris.

It's hard to tell right now who will get the majority of the carries when Morris is on the sideline, so they both make the list.

I expect the Lions to try to establish the running game more than they have been in the past, and the Harrison/Williams duo will be very important, especially in pass protection.

Williams is more of a punishing runner, and maybe that's what Detroit needs to get their run game going.