Kevin Smith Injury: Maurice Morris Won't Fill RB Void for Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are the most dangerous offense in the league when they have a running back that fits their system healthy. They don't have that right now.

Just look at how effective both Jahvid Best and Kevin Smith were at both running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. With both out for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, it will be up to Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to carry the load.

As good as those two backs are, the duo are defined as more bruising running backs that love contact instead of speedy backs that thrive in open space. Detroit needs the latter.

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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Keiland Williams is a nice back that needs more reps to thrive at the NFL level.

I definitely feel that Williams has far more upside than Morris. While Morris is far better at pass protection on third downs, I think Williams may steal most of the carries this week.

The Lions will have to keep Morris fresh for the third down plays, so expect to see a heavy dosage of Williams on first and second down during the game.

With news breaking that Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder are looking doubtful for the game, the pressure on the running back situation is not as high, but they still need to perform or the Lions could lose this game.

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