Ndamukong Suh has been busy. So far the NFL's most hated player has apologized to the Lions, his teammates and "real" fans, whomever they may be. This afternoon, Suh apologized again. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter on Twitter:

Lions DT Ndamukong Suh called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last night to apologize for his behavior during Detroit's loss to Green Bay.

Little good it will do, as I'm sure Goodell already has a fairly severe punishment in mind. But Suh might as well start rehabbing his image, and the commissioner of the NFL is a good place to start.

With apologies being thrown around left and right, it's quite noticeable which person has yet to get an "I'm sorry" fron Suh. Evan Dietrich-Smith.

Seems to me, if you want to get back in the good graces of the NFL, apologizing to the man who's head you shoved into the turf and arm you stomped on would be the first name on your "I need to resurrect my reputation" to-do list. Suh not contacting Dietrich-Smith says volumes. 

Sincere or not, these apologies are ncessary. But if Suh had kept even a shred of composure in the first place, he wouldn't have to grovel at the feet of the commissioner.

Regardless, the Ndamukong Suh apology tour is going to help the Lions' situation. Their best defensive player receiving a multi-game suspension in midst of a highly contested wild card race is inevitable, no matter how many times he says he's sorry.

The torches and pitchforks are out...and the target is Ndamukong Suh. Going by the reactions online, you'd think Suh channels the BTK killer on the field while clubbing seals in his free time.

CBS Sports troll masquerading as a columnist, Gregg Doyel, tells Lions fans what they should think:

But if you're a fan of the Lions, you should be hoping Goodell sits Suh for more than a few games. How about the rest of the season? Maybe that would get the message across. Lord knows national ridicule hasn't stopped Suh from being the dirtiest player since James Harrison.

And is that what you want, Lions fans?

Do you want a bigger, stronger, meaner, dirtier James Harrison?

Fans in Detroit aren't saying the NFL shouldn't suspend Suh, just give him a fair punishment. Detroiters were as disgusted as the rest of the nation. If there is one fanbase acutely aware of appearances, it's Detroit's, considering how often this area is disparaged by outsiders. Lions fans are pissed at Suh, and rightly so. His actions reflect badly on the Lions, and by association, Detroit (it shouldn't, but it does, regardless). Let's no even go into fans' unhappiness with "The Lions' best defensive player will be suspended for multiple games thanks to his on field stupidity while a playoff spot hangs in the balance" issue. 

“Take my pound of flesh and sleep well...”

Despite Doyel's assertions, Lions fans do not want Suh to be known as another James Harrison...who has done more to try and hurt other players than Suh ever has. Even if it isn't to Doyel, it's obvious to Lions fans full speed helmet to helmet hits >>>>>> Stomping on an arm.

Then Doyel goes even farther over the top than I thought possible.

He might just kill someone.

Kill someone? Even Doyel says it's "maybe hyperbole." Bullshit. It is hyperbole!

It's also trolling for an emotional reaction from a reader, a Doyel specialty. If Doyel actually believes the tripe he's spewing, he needs to sit longer than Suh likely will. 

SI's Peter King says Suh needs "counseling."

The Lions should very quietly arrange for Suh to get anger-management counseling, because the way he plays, and the way he goes over the edge at times, he looks like a guy who needs behavior modification.

King can't be serious. A defensive lineman who makes a fortune hitting people as hard as humanly possible needs anger management? That's just what the Lions need, a kinder and gentler defensive tackle. This is utterly and completely ridiculous, especially coming from a writer who often glorifies hard hitting defensive play. If Suh needs psychiatric counseling, then players like Dick Butkus and Jack Lambert should have been sent to prison for 12 to 25, Conrad Dobler given a life sentence without chance of parole and Jack Tatum executed.

Anger management makes sense if rage is causing problems in Suh's personal life. Otherwise, such a suggestion is out and out moronic.

Writers at Bleacher Report are showing their true colors, trolling for page views by calling for ridiculously long suspensions with SEO filled headlines like Ndamukong Suh Should Be Suspended Until Playoffs for Dirty Play:

Now it's time for him to take some time and reflect upon his sins. He deserves it. Albert Haynesworth got a five-game suspension for stomping on a player. I see no reason why Suh shouldn't deserve the same.

(And Bleacher Report being known as page view whores, there's also a...wait for it...slide show. I'm not adding another link, as it only encourages them...)

I do see a reason. What Suh did pales in comparison to Hayneswoth's stomping on the HEAD a HELMETLESS defender, cutting him wide open. Of course Suh should be suspended, but for the rest of the season? Even Roger Goodell isn't that damn clueless. Suh's a moneymaker and good for the league's overall health, as shown by the NFL's own hypocrisy by promoting him as evil in order to draw more interest in the Lions-Broncos game. They'll still  make an example of him...and sitting for a game or two will do so. Any more than than that is setting a precedent, which would send the NFL down a road they don't want to tread.

If Suh is nailed with a 5 game suspension, then some of James Harrison's hits should be good for 12 games...even 16! Hell, why stop there? Suh, Harrison, they should be BANNED FROM FOOTBALL FOR LIFE!

See, I can do hyperbole too.

At Mlive, there's a call for Chrysler to drop Suh as a spokesman. Why? Because Suh's arm stomp is the equivalent of Chris Brown beating his girlfriend to a pulp or Tiger Wood's moral turpitude as a serial adulterer.

The examples are ludicrous. Keep this in mind. If Michael Vick can get a long-term contract and endorsement money after being involved in something as vile as dogfighting, I don't think Suh has much to worry about for losing his temper on national TV. Corporate America has short memories...especially if the player involved is talented with massive name recognition.

I have a suggestion. A player should miss just as many games as the player he intentionally injured. Suh should sit for as long as the Packers' Evan Dietrich-Smith is out. As we all know, Suh's stomp was so egregious, so awful, it left Dietrich-Smith injured so badly, he ended up on the IR. Wait...what?

Well, did he miss the rest of the game...a series...a play? No? Oh.

You know what will ultimately happen? Suh will deservedly be hit with a 1 or 2 game suspension without pay, then we'll all move on, lying in wait for the next controversy...which will allow everyone and their sister to, once again, show their righteous indignation.

For all of the brow furrowing and hand wringing, it actually took Jets head coach Rex Ryan to put Suh's actions in perspective.

Via ESPN New York:

“I’ll be honest with you I think the young man, he should be released,” here Ryan paused, “and come to the Jets."

Ryan speaks the truth. Every opposing fan who is calling for Suh's head on stick would take him on their team in less than a heartbeat. They also have him leading all tackles in the Pro Bowl voting.

Every media member who is calling Suh a serial killer in training have also praised him as a player in the past because of his aggressive, physical, borderline dirty play. The media overreactions are just as preposterous as Suh's actions are indefensible.

In the end, we're ALL hypocrites. Some just more so than others.

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.

If today's media reports are true, Ndamukong Suh will be missing the next couple of games after using his cleats to unsuccessfully add blood drainage holes to the arm of the Packers' Evan Dietrich-Smith (or in Suh's own tone deaf words, "pushing down forcefully to get up and get myself out of the situation").

I agree a suspension is deserved (and guessed after the fact a 2-3 game sit down was on tap), though it's up to the NFL to determine how long and severe the punishment.

First reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, then parroted by FOX's Jay Glazer, word is Suh will be suspended for at least 2 games by the NFL.

Via the Freep's Dave Birkett:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on “Sunday NFL Countdown” today that the NFL will suspend Suh at least two games for the stomping incident in Thursday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Fox’s Jay Glazer tweeted that he’s “hearing 1-2 games suspension but not more” and that the commissioner’s office is meeting today to make a decision.

Despite the claims of Schefter and Glazer and Suh's apparent lack of remorse, CBS Sports' Mike Freeman gives Lions fans hope Suh just might dodge the 2 game bullet.

It is this: if you expect a lengthy, hard punishment for Suh, you might be disappointed. I could be wrong but numerous signs point to Suh getting no more than a fine and one-game suspension.

Here's why. Aside from the notorious Albert Haynesworth head stomp, there hasn't been more than a one-game suspension for on-field violations in the Roger Goodell years, and Suh was tossed for the second half of the game, so that should tell you something.

I'm not at all surprised by the possibility of a long suspension.  Suh has a well-earned reputation for very aggressive, if not outright dirty, play. If you dance with the devil, prepare to pay the price when things get out of hand. And they got out of hand in a big way against the Packers.

While I was out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, both the Lions and Suh released statements about the play in question. The Lions' press release claimed the organization was remorseful for the incident, and expect better from Suh from here on out, but would leave any punishment up to the league itself.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS REGARDING NDAMUKONG SUH INCIDENT IN GAME VERSUS GREEN BAY

“The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday’s game was unacceptable and failed to meet the high level of sportsmanship we expect from our players.

“Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. We expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism.

“We have been in contact with Commissioner Goodell’s office and were advised that, like any on-field matter, Thursday’s incident is subject to review by the League office and that any subsequent discipline would be determined by the League office.”

The statement is pretty much what you'd expect to see from any professional organization with public relations people on staff. Though I have to admit I haven't seen such a high level of sportsmanship from the Lions all season long, from Jim Schwartz on down.

This is an example of the high level of sportsmanship the Lions expect?

Suh's apology was posted on his Suh90 Facebook page. But he needs to keep in mind his ultimate fate is not in his own hands or in those of the Lions. It's in the hands of the NFL suits, who worry about appearances, first, foremost and always. Which is why Suh should at least appear remorseful after the fact.

Which has me wondering why Suh's apology missing the emotion and remorse. Given it reads like a statement likely written by Suh's lawyer and agent, and approved by Lions management, I honestly expected more.

In the past few hours, I have had time to reflect on yesterday's game and I want to sincerely apologize for letting my teammates down, the organization, and especially to my fans who look to me for positive inspiration.

Playing professional sports is not a game. It is a profession with great responsibility, and where performance on and off the field should never be compromised. It requires a calm and determined demeanor, which cannot be derailed by the game, referee calls, fans or other players.

I want to reiterate my commitment to working to become a better player, and professional--on and off the field. My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable. I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand -- by winning.

No apology to Evan Dietrich-Smith? Seems like he should be the FIRST person on Suh's lengthy list of those he should apologize to, rather than his teammates.

If Suh wants to avoid missing a serious amount of time, he would be best served to show a bit more remorse...as in any at all. Otherwise the NFL will be more than happy to do it for him, by saddling Suh with a multiple game suspension while the Lions are struggling to remain in the race for the wild card.

Suh shows how to ruin your reputation in one step...

Two post game quotes stood out for me after the Packers smoked the Lions and Ndamukong Suh smoked his reputation.

Packers guard T.J. Lang, via the Journal-Sentinel:

"I'm not surprised," Lang said. "He's been getting dumb penalties all year. That's something we talked about all week. They were probably going to do something stupid along the way. They've done it almost every game."

"There's a lot of chippiness that goes on out there," Lang said. "And we're pretty smart for the most part not to respond. But yeah, we knew watching the film on these guys that there would be some chippy plays out there. And there certainly was. But we just really emphasized amongst ourselves that we wouldn't be the ones to respond and lose 15 yards."

After reading that, is anyone surprised one, the Packers are 11-0, and two, the Lions have a well deserved rep for being undisciplined cheap shot artists?

The other quote is from soon to be suspended Lions tackle Ndamukong Suh, via Mlive:

"I was on top of a guy being pulled down and trying to get up off the ground," Suh said. "Why you see me pushing his helmet down, because I'm trying to remove myself from the situation and as I'm getting up, I'm getting pushed, so I'm getting myself on balance and getting out of the situation.

"With that, a lot of people are going to interpret it as, or create their own storylines for seeing what they want to interpret it, but I know what I did and the man upstairs knows what I did."

"I'm on one leg and I'm trying to get out at the same time being pushed by his teammates, so where, how am I supposed to do anything else? ... I'm pushing down forcefully to get up and get myself out of the situation," Suh said.

I love the Lions, and have defended Suh in the past...but I don't believe a word he said. He's either delusional or lying through his teeth. Suh would have been much better served in the long run by being apologetic instead of cluelessly defiant. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar...but Suh poured vinegar everywhere with his failure to show any remorse.

Now watch video of Suh's attempt to curb stomp Evan Dietrich-Smith...

I'm sorry, but that's not "pushing down forcefully" trying remove yourself from the situation, it's an attempt to hurt someone after badly losing your composure. And if there is a God. I don't think he'd approve of Suh's goon-like move...though I'd much prefer he not use religion as a shield.

To be honest, the man upstairs Suh should really be worrying about is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Considering his past transgressions, the incident happening on a national stage, and Suh's refusal to be contrite for his actions, Goodell is going to come down on the 2nd year tackle with the wrath of several Gods. A punitive fine is a lock, and it's only going to be a matter of not if there's a suspension...but how long.

But Suh has more to worry about than the NFL laying down the law.  He's already been convicted in the court of puplic opinion. When the media uses Albert Haynesworth's head stomp as a comparison (even if it's in a dirty play league of it's own), you have some major reputation repair on your hands. FOX's referee guru, Mike Periria, bashes Suh about like a pinata in his post game column, while speculating he'll get a multiple game suspension...or should I call it a "Suh-spension?"

Suh’s not dirty, he’s filthy.

This guy has a history. An ugly one at that.

There's more...

A personal foul is one thing, but what Suh did Thursday was as a non-football act. When a player hits another player with a late hit or commits a helmet-to-helmet hit, those are considered football plays. Stomping on somebody or spitting on someone — those are considered premeditated acts.

Finally...

Suh met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently to discuss his on-field play and afterward said he had a better understanding of how to play the game within the rules.

I would say he needs another lesson — or two. Maybe three.

And to make matters worse, after the game Thursday, Suh said he was trying to regain his balance while pushing Dietrich-Smith’s head to the turf and then stomping on his arm.

And I can't refute a word of it. 

What worse, a 2 or 3 game Suh-spension could be a dagger in the Lions' playoff chances. They are already decimated by injuries. Now there will be another spot in the lineup the Lions will have to fill...Suh's. It won't be easy on the road against the Saints. 

After being ejected, Suh takes the NFL player's walk of shame...

The next several days are going to be damned unpleasant for Suh, the Lions, and their fans. This incident is going to be a black stain on Suh's rep for some time to come. But when you play on the razor's edge between aggressive and dirty, then leap across it...you reap what you sow.

In this case, what Suh may have reaped is the Lions missing the post season. 

The Lions' make the game somewhat closer, as Keiland Williams scores from 16 yards out.

Better late than...well, it's a score, anyway.

Lions go for 2...and get it on a pass to Titus Young. 24-8 Packers. It's stretching to say it...but it is a 2 possession game.

Sorry, it ain't happening...not today.

But the Packers make the the Lions pay...again. Berry doesn't look back as Jennings catches a 31 yard pass from Rodgers. The d-backfield is getting torched.

TURN YOUR GODDAMN HEAD!

The Lions stop Rodgers on 3rd and short, force a punt.

It's kinda, sorta still a game with 9:36 left. 

Lions take over at their own 14...Johnson drops the 1st down pass. Shit.

2nd down...Stafford to throw...sack. SHIT.

3rd down...Stafford throws a 5 yard pass when the Lions needed 13. SHIIIIIIIT.

That just may have been the game right then and there...The Lions really needed to score on that possession. There's only 8:25 left, Packers take over after the punt.

This game has been the Lions' worst nightmare. They've run out of corners, to the point where Rasheid Davis is playing in the d-backfield. Suh has been ejected. The offense can't get out of their own way. Stupid damn penalties.

This was NOT the team I was expecting to see on Thanksgiving. I realize the Packers are 10-0, but the Lions had ALL the intangibles...and couldn't make it a game. 

6:54 left, the Packers convert a 3rd down, and find themselves at the Lions' 27.

3rd and 7, Rodgers finds Cobb for a 1st down in the red zone.

I'm calling it with 5 minutes left. It's Bill Paxton time.

GAME OVER MAN. GAME OVER.

Packers settle for a FG from 32 out, twisting the knife in the Lions' corpse. 28-3, Packers.

Wonderful, FOX and Aikman are pimping the ridiculous Galloping Gobbler award. Just end the game now and put me out of my Lions caused misery. 

I know it's only one game...but the Lions have it coming thanks to their disiplined, uninsired play.

Watching the Lions play today, I have to honestly wonder, thanks to their very tough schedule and injuries piling up, if they can make the playoffs. Hard to believe after a 5-0 start.

As for the game tape...

Clock running...under 1:00 left. Lions are in the red zone...take a TO. Come on, I have things to eat!

Lions at the 10...clock running. Stafford clocks it with 0:15. YEEEEESSSS!

Stafford finds Megatron in the back of the end zone with 0:11 left. Well, it makles the score look a little better, which is like putting a lipstick on a pig. 

Packers will win 27-15. 

I'm off to eat...and forget this game ever happened.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

To everyone but the Lions, that is. They're on my list...

So Ndamukong Suh's visit to NFL HQ accomplished plenty. The video says more than I could.

I can't defend Ndamukong Suh one bit. He lost his composure, and embarrassed hemself, the Lions and Detroit with his thoughtless actions on national TV.

With his reputation, I think a suspension will be coming. Maybe not the 5 games Albert Hanyesworth received a few years back, but Suh will at least get a game or two.

And it'll be completely deserved.

And we're back after Nickelback does whatever Nickelback does. A rock band with...SYNCRONIZED DANCERS?

They should be embarrassed...but they are Nickelback, so it's nothing new.

And we wait as the stage is stuck on the field...figures. Why only one song?

Via WXYT's Jeff Riger on Twitter:

Apparently Nickleback was supposed to play two songs but the NFL pulled one of them because of drug references. Thats the rumor!

OMFG! DRUGS! IN THE NFL? NEVER!

The Packers hit a long pass to start the half, 26 yards to Finley at midfield.

FLAG. Packers procedure. At least it wasn't on the Lions. 

Driver catches a 15 yard pass, Pack in Lions' territory at the 40. Shitfuckdam...

PAckers moving the ball well, picking on the Lions' backups, McDonald and Spivey.

FLAG! False start. And the flags, they keep on a-comin'.

Aaron Berry whiffs on an open field tackle...then has to leave the field injured. Lions getting so thin at CB, John Wendling in the game. Packers in the red zone.

FLAG. False Start.  Well that's something...

3rd and goal from the 3...wants Driver...incomplete!

There's a scrum on the field...FLAG. And it's on Suh. So much for 4th and goal. That's flag number 10.

And so much for not being called a dirty player...

SUH is flagged for a presonal fouls and then tossed for kicking. Stomping, to be more accurate. Fucking DUMB. So the visit to NFL HQ did jack shit, obviously. I don't care if you were tackled by a Packers o-lineman, you cannot lose your composure in that way.

I wonder what Suh will say after the game...but there is no defending it. A suspension coming? Probably. 

ESPN says it's case closed, Suh is dirty.

In what surely will be a highly-rated game on national television, Suh just lost forever his battle to be viewed as a physical player who stops short of being dirty. There is no explaining what he did, and the entire nation just got to see it. That was a dirty play with no intent other than to hurt Dietrich-Smith. The vast majority of his controversial plays haven't qualified as such in my mind. But today's was too blatant and too visible to dispute.

And there's no one to blame but Suh.

Avril hurt...ARRRGH.

Packers finally score 6 on an off tackle run. The extra points courtesy of Ndamukong Suh. He's going to get roasted...and it will be deserved.

14-0 Packers.

Stafford using Morris extensively, moves the Lions past midfield. 

Stafford then proceeds to throw a pick.

Rodgers makes the Lions pay, as Jones beats McDonald deep on a 65 yard pass.

21-0 Packers.

McDonald is hurt...amd I hate to say it, but he won't be missed. 

The Lions won't be coiming back from 21 down. Not against the Packers. So much for their Thanksgiving coming out party. Yes, the Packers are the best team in football, but the Lions have done little to distinguish themsleves. Penalties, turnovers, injuries and dirty play have been the story of the day.

Stafford throws PICK number 3.

Woodson rips the ball out of Pettigrew's hands, he wanted it more...

Woodson's pick sets up a FG, Packers up 24-0.

On to the 4th quarter...

It's Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, and the Lions are ready to take on the undefeated juggenaut known as the Green Bay Packers!

I hope to see the Lions look something like this...

Or this...

But not this...

Or this...

But no matter what happens, we'll be stuck seeing this...

LIVE from Ford Field it's FOX's number one play by play team, Joe Buck and his monotone sounding voice and the still concussed Troy Aikman. I'm live from my home office, and preparing to head out for dinner with the GF's sister and her family after the game.

The Pack defers, the Lions will recieve, and we're all ready for kickoff!

The ressurection of Kevin Smith continues, as he gets 6 off tackle. 2nd down is a pass to...who else buit Kevin Smith, who gets a 1st down at the 40!

3rd play, 3rd Smith touch...good for 3 yards. Smith is averaging over 6 yards a touch...

3rd and long, it's Stafford to Scheffler, who really is having a nice season.

SMITH! He busts a run for 15...FLAG. Burleson holds Woodson. Crap. But Smith is running like he stole something.

2nd and long...Megatron was WIDE DAMN OPEN. But Stafford badly misses him.

No one was within 7 yards of Johnson, but he would have needed
be be 10' tall to catch Stafford's throw...

Not a good series for Burleson, who fumbles on a run out of the backfield on 3rd down. He recovers...but the drive ends. 

After a lousy 28 yard punt by the Aussie rules kicker, the Packers run 3 plays...and are all the way to the Lions 42. 

The Lions' D stiffens, forcing a Rodgers incompletion on 3rd and 2! It's a battle of the punters so far. Neither QB looked especially sharp in their opening drives.

FOX is FASCINATED by the glove on Stafford's throwing hand,
as we get several close ups. 

SMITH IS RUNNING WILD! Gets a 1st down on a screen pass, then 15 off tackle! The running Gods have rubbed off a little on Maurice Morris as well, who coverts a 3rd and short and catches a Stafford pass at the Packers 35! 

SACK! FLAG! HOLD! FUCK! 1st and 20.

Morris gets most of the penalty back on a crossing route, getting 14. 3rd and 5 at the 30...

Stafford is blitzed...over throws the receiver...FLAG. Holding on Pettigrew kills the drive, and moves the Lions out of FG range. 

That's a HOLD...

So far the Lions are moving the ball between the 30s...then doing this.

Packers start at the 20 as the Aussie punts the ball into the end zone. Do the Lions actually miss Ryan Donahue? Yes. Yes, they do.

Pack take over. On 3rd and 3...Greg Jennings runs a 2 yard route.

Joey Blue Skies would be proud...

After a 55 yard bomb goes out at the 16, the Lions take over. Smith runs into the pile...and the quarter ends uneventfully. 

Thru 1 quarter....there's no score.

Though the Lions have had their chances, which could bite them hard on the ass later in the game.

Via the social networks on the interwebs, the Lions' injury report for the Packers game on Thanksgiving has leaked out. One player listed is anything but a surprise. 

And no, I'm not referring to the rookie punter, Ryan Donahue.

Via @FreepLions:

Lions injury report: Lawrence Jackson is doubtful, Jahvid Best & Ryan Donahue out, Willie Young is questionable, Calvin probable for Thurs.

Jahvid Best will be missing his 5th consecutive game thanks to the after effects of suffering his second concussion of the season against the Niners in mid-October. He's yet to be cleared by doctors not do much of anything, save for putting on sweats and standing on the sidelines during practices.

Do I want Best to return before the season ends? Of course. But will it be in his and the Lions' nest interest? That, I'm not so sure. Best has yet to start working out, so if he even can return this season, one has to wonder just how productive he could be. I'd have to believe the Lions' use of Best would be somewhat limited.

The Lions have stumbled upon a running game with the rescued from football Siberia Kevin Smith and veteran warhorse Maurice Morris. Shockingly, the Lions are averaging 4.6 YPA since the signing of Smith, which is exactly what Best had averaged in 5 games. But Best's numbers are badly skewed by his averaging 13.1 YPA in the win over the Bears. If you factor out the Bears outlier, Best's average drops to 3.15 YPA, which isn't what you want to see from your "feature back."

Sure, Smith's average could ultimately be skewed by the performance against Panthers. But now fully recovered from his 2009 knee injury, he really has looked like the promising runner he was in 2008, not the disappointment of 2009-10. Thanksgiving may confirm things, one way or the other. 

What the Lions have really missed from Best are his skills as a receiver out of the backfield. Best was averaging 5 catches a game for 57 yards when healthy. Smith finally gave the Lions a similar weapon out of the backfield, with 4 catches for 61 yards and a TD.

If Best can return this season, he may be best utilized in situations where his receiving skills can be used to the utmost, ie: a 3rd down/change of pace back. I rather he not try to run between the tackles, which can be much more ably handled by Smith and Morris.

But all this is speculation based on Best actually returning to the field, of which the odds get longer and longer as the games pass.  With the emergence of Smith, the Lions may not feel a need to rush Best back. Honestly, no matter what odds you gave me, I wouldn't bet on Best taking the field again this season.

If Smith can continue to prop up the running game, it's win-win for everyone. The Lions will have what had been a missing dimension to the offense, which can only help Matthew Stafford. Smith will be well on his way to earning a new NFL contract, be it with the Lions or another team in need of backfield depth.

Most importantly, Best won't have to risk his health by returning to the team too soon.