Jahvid Best: Detroit Lions RB Will Miss Remainder of Season with Concussion

After missing the past five games with a concussion, the Detroit Lions have decided to place second-year running back Jahvid Best on season-ending injured reserve. The move means that Best will miss the remainder of the regular season as well as any possible playoff games.

Best had been week-to-week since suffering the concussion against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 16. Apparently he has not made sufficient progress, as the Lions were willing to place him on IR despite the fact that they now have just two healthy running backs on their roster.

Kevin Smith filled in admirably for Best last week after being re-signed by Detroit, but he suffered an ankle injury on a reverse during Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers and was forced to leave the field on the cart. Smith doesn't think the injury is as serious as it first appeared, but the Lions currently have just Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to turn to in the backfield.

Best has a long history of injuries dating back to his college days at California. As a rookie with the Lions last season, Best suffered through painful turf toe injuries all season that ultimately sapped much of his explosiveness.

Prior to being injured this season, Best seemed to be developing into an elite dual-threat at running back as he led the team with 390 rushing yards and also contributed 27 catches for 287 yards.

The Lions were a passing team to begin with, but with Best officially on the shelf for the rest of the season, Detroit could have a difficult time establishing the run as they attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.