Kevin Smith Injury: Updates on Lions RB's Week 14 Status and Fantasy Value

The Detroit Lions are very thin at running back, and they are desperately hoping Kevin Smith can return back to action and help save them from being one-dimensional.

Smith had no job when the 2011 season kicked off, but the Lions later signed him after losing Jahvid Best to a concussion. It's safe to say after a couple of Smith's great performances, he should remain with the team after this year if he can stay healthy.

The Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12, and even though they'll be throwing the ball a ton against the Vikings' weak secondary, they still need a run game to keep Minnesota on its toes.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we give you further updates on the status of Kevin Smith.

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 11, 10:40 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

The Detroit Lions are at their most dangerous when they have a versatile player at running back, but with Jahvid Best done for the season it looks like Detroit will have to go it without Kevin Smith as well.

NBC’s Pro Football Talk NFL insider Mike Florio is reporting about Smith’s status:

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Per a league source, Smith currently is not expected to play when the Lions host the Vikings. Smith missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and Smith participated in practice on a limited basis on Friday.  He was seen icing the ankle during last weekend’s game in New Orleans.

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While Smith became a star in his chances with the Lions this season, he showed why he doesn’t get those chances very often. Injuries have plagued his young career, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Sit him on your fantasy bench.

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. EDT by Mike Chiari

The news continues to get worse for Lions running back Kevin Smith. According to RotoWorld.com Smith had to leave Friday's practice early as he was having issues making cuts due to his injured ankle.

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Kevin Smith (ankle) left practice early on Friday when he couldn't cut on a pass route of the backfield.

Smith pulled himself out of the drill and left the practice field. At this point, it's highly unlikely that he'll be active against the Vikings on Sunday.

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If Smith can't cut at this point, then it is unlikely he will be ready for a 1 p.m. EDT game on Sunday. At this point it is probably best to move on without him this week from a fantasy perspective and consider Maurice Morris a solid backup plan.

Update: Thursday, Dec. 8 at 12:45 p.m. EDT by Alex Kay

Dave Birkett is reporting that Kevin Smith sat out during the portion of practice open to media members with a high ankle sprain.

This is not a good sign and it's looking less and less likely that he will suit up on Sunday. Maurice Morris is a solid fantasy play if he is ruled out so make sure you have him rostered.  

UPDATE: Dec. 5 at 8:00 a.m. ET 

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press, and tweeted the latest on Smith's health for Week 14. 

This doesn't look good for Smith and the Lions, as well as all those fantasy football players who added him hoping he would consistently perform at a high level. 

Don't drop Smith just yet because a lot can change in the course of a week. It doesn't appear he will play this Sunday, but it's still too early to tell. 

Continue to monitor Smith's status as the week goes on. In the meantime, look to guys like Marion Barber and Dexter McCluster to fill your void at running back.