Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith: How Is Lions RB Lower Leg Injury?

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith was carted off the field during the team's Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers with a lower leg injury, according to the NFL.com.

Smith was not touched during the play in which the injury occurred. He had seven carries for 36 yards before leaving the game on a cart.

The Lions have had injury problems at running back this season and this latest setback will hurt. Jahvid Best has missed several games due to a concussion, and Smith had injury problems last season that caused him to only play in six games.

Injury Update

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweeted the following about Smith's injury after it happened.

A short while later, the Lions' official twitter account tweeted that Smith would not return to Thursday's game against the Packers.

When he's ready to return

Kevin Smith's return has not been determined right now. He will not return to Thursday's game, and it is unclear whether he will play in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints.

Fantasy Impact

Kevin Smith racked up 201 total yards and three touchdowns last week against the Carolina Panthers, and immediately became a fantasy star.

His injury suffered against the Packers is a huge hit to his fantasy value. Smith has a history of injury problems and has only played in two games this year.

Maurice Morris is the backup for Detroit, and will likely start if Smith cannot play in Week 13. Morris is a good running back, but he won't make a major fantasy impact in any kind of league.

Morris had 48 carries for 201 yards with one touchdown coming into Week 12. If you have Smith on your team, I would look for a replacement for your Week 13 roster.

What They're Saying

ESPN's fantasy football guru Matthew Berry tweeted the following about Smith's injury.