"The last thing Kevin Smith cares about is why the Lions decided to bring him back halfway through the season.

After months of working out for teams and hearing, "We're not looking for a running back" or "You're in shape but not in football shape" or "Hey, you look great, we will keep you on top of our list," all Smith cared about was somebody giving him a second chance.

And if it happened to be the Lions, the team that drafted him in 2008 and rather unceremoniously dumped him in 2010, all the better.

"It feels good to be in pads, to be playing football again," Smith said after going through his first practice Tuesday. "I've been training since I had that (knee) injury that put me on injured reserve. Once I got healed, I went to work. But with the lockout and free agency, it took me a long time to get signed.

"I am just glad the Lions gave me this opportunity. I am healthy and I have had a humbling experience. I am focused and I am hungry.""