| 13 December 2009
Per The Schwartz, via John Niyo at the News:
The Lions appear to have lost running back Kevin Smith to a season-ending knee injury.
Smith went down in a heap at the end of a 15-yard reception on the second play of the fourth quarter in a 48-3 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
The second-year running back was carted off the field in obvious pain and will undergo an MRI exam Monday to determine the severity of the injury. But coach Jim Schwartz acknowledged that it's likely a "significant" knee injury that occurred as Smith ducked and tried to cut inside Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain.
Why Schwartz had the Lions' best running back on the field when they were 40 points down is a very legitimate question.
I blame The Schwartz. Smith should too...
We don't yet know how badly Smith is injured, but when the term "significant" is thrown out there, it sure sounds like an ACL. If so, the Lions will be damn lucky if Smith is ready by training camp. Even then, it's quite likely he won't be at full speed.
Smith's injury now opens up a Pandora's Box as to free agency and the draft. His play as of late made the idea of the Lions drafting a running back in April, if not moot, at least less a priority. As of 4PM this afternoon, the need for a running back is no longer moot. It isn't a matter of if the Lions will find a back in the coming off season, but when.
All because Schwartz was trying to make a point about not giving up. He needs to learn you can make a point without putting one of your most important players at risk.
Football coaches should pick their battles wisely. Schwartz didn't today.
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