| 27 November 2011
While I was out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Lions sent out a press release I had long been expecting.
LIONS TO PLACE RB JAHVID BEST ON INJURED RESERVE
Allen Park, Mich.-- The Detroit Lions announced today that they will place RB Jahvid Best on the Reserve/Injured list. Best suffered a concussion in the Lions’ October 16 game against San Francisco.
Due to the Thanksgiving Weekend, the move is not expected to become official with the League office until next week.
“From the outset, we have been appropriately cautious and have followed all medical protocol with respect to Jahvid’s injury,” Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz said. “We look forward to his continued improvement and eventual return to the field.”
A month ago I wrote it would be in Best's best interest to sit out the remainder of the 2011 season due to his post concussion trauma. It was past time it was made official. Though what bothers me is Best wasn't placed on IR because it would be the smart thing to do for the sake of their player's long-term health. Instead, it was due to the Lions needing a roster spot.
Unfortunately, it took Kevin Smith, Louis Delmas, Chris Houston, Eric Wright, Aaron Berry and Brandon McDonald getting hurt against the Packers to force the Lions' hand, and sit Best for the remainder of the season.
I found it ironic the Lions could no longer afford to carry the oft-injured RB on the 53 man roster thanks to injuries...suffered by players other than Best.
The Lions finally did the right thing, be it for the wrong reason.
The team put a positive spin on situation, saying they expect an "eventual return to the field" from their 1st string RB. But you have to believe the front office isn't more than a little concerned Best's career may be over, or at the very least, shortened considerably. After 3 concussions in 3 seasons, 2 in 3 months, the effects of the 3rd lingering for weeks after the fact, my fear isn't if Best will suffer another concussion, but when and how long will be sidelined.
All the more reason the Lions must have a healthy Mikel Leshoure at the start of 2012 training camp and will give serious thought to the re-signing Kevin Smith as well.
It's sad to say, but it's come to the point where the Lions can no longer depend upon the undeniably talented Best for any length of time. If I were a betting man, it'll be Leshoure, not Best, at the top of the RB depth chart come September 2012. Let Leshoure carry the load, and limit Best's touches, using him as a 3rd down/change of pace back.
And that just might be for the best...no pun intended.
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