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Jahvid Best News & Rumors

Lions GM expects Jahvid Best to be cleared for contact in June
May 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said Monday night in an interview with WJR-AM (760) that he expects running back Jahvid Best to be cleared for contact sometime in June. "He's been doing everything in the off-season program, and we expect he'll be cleared sometime probably in June," Mayhew said, according to the Lions' website. "We look forward to having him on the field." The Lions' mandatory minicamp is June 12-14. Best has been working out regularly since December and joined the Lions for their off-season conditioning program last month. He suffered two concussions last year, has a history of head injuries in his career and sat out the final 10 games last season with"
Lions' Jahvid Best not limited in off-season conditioning program, Jim Schwartz says
April 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Saturday running back Jahvid Best has not been limited during the off-season conditioning program that began last week. "He's doing the same things everybody else is doing," Schwartz said at a promotional appearance in Livonia. Best suffered a season-ending concussion in the sixth game of the year Oct. 16 against San Francisco. Very little information about his progress has been available and, during a Thursday predraft news conference, general manager Martin Mayhew seemed unsure of Best's status."
Detroit Lions' off-season workouts could mark Jahvid Best's return to the field
April 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"After missing the final 10 games last year with post-concussion symptoms, Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is nearing a return to the field. Best will be in Detroit to take part in the start of off-season workouts Monday. He still hasn't been fully cleared by team doctors, but has been working out on his own since December. The Lions' voluntary off-season program begins this coming week with strength and conditioning workouts only. Coaches are not allowed to observe or take part in the first two weeks of NFL off-season programs, and footballs (aside from quarterbacks throwing to uncovered receivers) cannot be used. Best was one of the Lions' most dynamic weapons through the first six"
Report: Lions RB Jahvid Best cleared to work out
March 8
Detroit News
 
"Some encouraging news regarding Lions running back Jahvid Best. ESPN reported Wednesday that Best, who missed the final 10 games last season with concussion-related issues, has been cleared to work out. Citing an unnamed source, Best has been cleared to participate in OTA's next month, mini-camps in June and, barring any setback, training camp in August. Up to this point, Best was doing only basic conditioning work. Best suffered two concussions last season, the second against San Francisco on Oct. 16. He was placed on injured reserve in November."
Lions reportedly unsure if Best will be able to play again
January 29
NFL.com
 
"The sad saga of Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best's attempt to return from a concussion that ended his 2011 doesn't appear to be over. Best missed most of the season following an Oct. 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and was bothered by post-concussion problems the rest of the season. But Best, who also suffered a concussion during the preseason and had a scary head injury while at the University of California, Berkeley, told the Detroit Free Press earlier this month that he's symptom free and "definitely" will be back next season. The feeling from within the Lions appears to be quite different. Multiple people within the organization are concerned the second-year running back"
Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew still awaits word on Jahvid Best's status, but 'I expect him back'
January 12
Michigan Live
 
"Jahvid Best says beyond a shadow of a doubt, he'll in the Detroit's backfield next season. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is still waiting for the all-clear on the running back who saw his 2011 season cut short due to a concussion he suffered in Week 6 – his second within two months. "No, we haven't gotten any (word)," Mayhew said. "He's still being evaluated by people, but we're very optimistic with the preliminary reports we have.""
Lions' Jahvid Best is looking ahead to next year
January 11
Detroit News
 
"His eyes are bright, and the smile comes easily, the way it always has. Jahvid Best certainly doesn't act like someone who's afraid his career has been lost to the shadows. And of all the positive vibes left behind by the Lions on Monday, as players cleaned out their lockers and headed for the offseason, his might've been the most hopeful. Best, the team's dynamic running back, looks good, feels great and insists his future never has looked better. And he says he has reconciled the conflicting emotions that came with losing another season — his second in as many years as a professional — to a debilitating injury."
Jahvid Best optimistic about playing for Lions in 2012
January 10
Detroit News
 
"From the sound of it, Lions coach Jim Schwartz is going into the offseason counting on having Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure in the backfield next season. "Every year you have contingency plans, and that goes for healthy players, too," Schwartz said Monday. "You always have other plans. But we have two outstanding young players at that position, guys that have complementary talent that fits well with what we want to do. "It's been somewhat of a star-crossed position, but it will be good to get them back.""
Jim Schwartz backs decision to place Jahvid Best on IR
December 23
Detroit News
 
"Were the Lions a little hasty in shutting down running back Jahvid Best for the rest of the season Nov. 28? He suffered his second concussion of the season Oct. 16 and was unable to pass the requisite tests to return to practice for five weeks. Finally, before playing at New Orleans, Detroit placed him on injured reserve. He has since begun to do some light running and, though nobody could say for sure, there may have been an outside chance he would be symptom-free in time for a playoff run — should the Lions qualify."
Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) hopes to be ready for Raiders
December 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions running back Kevin Smith said his sprained right ankle "felt good" during practice Wednesday and that he was able to move and cut better than he did last week. Smith took handoffs and ran some routes out of the backfield in drills with the skeleton offense before he left to work with trainers on the side in the portion of practice open to the media. Officially, Smith was listed as having no practice. But he seemed encouraged about his progress since he was hurt Thanksgiving Day against Green Bay."
Lions put Jahvid Best on injured reserve
November 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Lions announced today they will place running Jahvid Best on season-ending injured reserve because of ongoing concussion problems. The move is not expected to become official until next week. Best suffered his second concussion of the season Oct. 16, in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and hasn't been cleared to resume physical activity. His agent, Tony Fleming, said Best plans on returning next year. "Definitely expect him to be back next year," Fleming said. "Being put on IR is more precautionary because he's continuing to see specialists, and he's just being evaluated still. It seems to be in the best interests to sit him for the season, but there's nothing long-term"
Lions practice report: Jahvid Best improving; Ryan Donahue has 'stabbing pain'
November 18
Detroit Free Press
 
"It appears the Detroit Lions will go another week without running back Jahvid Best. They have yet to rule out Best for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers -- that business is usually reserved for Fridays -- but Best missed practice again today and hasn't played since suffering his second concussion of the year Oct. 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. Still, Best watched part of practice in street clothes today for the second straight day, and Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he is making progress in his return."
Lions running back Jahvid Best will miss fourth game
November 18
Detroit News
 
"Jahvid Best has been back at the Lions practice facility the last couple days. He even put on his jersey for a bit Thursday. But as good as it is to see him smiling and walking around, it doesn't appear he's any closer to putting on the pads and returning to action. "He is improving," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's back in the building and we are seeing him on a limited basis. Obviously that's a good sign. But there is still no clearance for physical activity." Best, who has been looked at by several specialists the past two weeks, will miss his fourth consecutive game with post-concussion symptoms. He was approached by reporters but, per team policy, declined to talk. "It's just good to"
Lions running back Jahvid Best makes second appearance at practice
November 17
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best did not speak with reporters on Thursday, but his presence said a lot. Best has not played since sustaining a concussion against San Fransisco three games ago. He also has not been seen by local media members at the Lions facility since his injury. On Thursday, Best was sitting on a stool in front of his locker. Best was in street clothes and enjoying conversations with running backs Maurice Morris and Kevin Smith. While Best declined to speak with the media, his presence is a positive sign."
Lions' Jahvid Best attends practice, but still out with concussion
November 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions running back Jahvid Best did not practice Wednesday, but the team appears encouraged by Best's first appearance on the field since he suffered a concussion last month. Best watched practice in plainclothes and, according to the team's Web site, it was his first attendance at practice since his concussion against San Francisco on Oct. 16. Schwartz gave no update on Best, who has missed the past three games."
Lions' Jahvid Best expects to return this season: 'I feel fine'
November 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions running back Jahvid Best said he expects to return from his second concussion sometime this season, but he couldn't say whether he'll play after the bye next week against the Chicago Bears. "I have no idea," Best said before an autograph signing to open the Dick's Sporting Goods store Saturday in Canton. "If this wasn't our bye week I'd probably have a better idea, but right now everybody's gone and everybody's doing their own thing, so I have no idea." Best has yet to be cleared to return from the concussion he suffered in the second half of the Lions' Oct. 16 loss to the 49ers. He missed the last two games, hasn't returned to practice, and said Saturday he's "week to week.""
Lions' Jahvid Best still sidelined; Matthew Stafford bouncing back
November 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Lions continue to have no timetable on the return of running back Jahvid Best, who has missed the past two games with a concussion. "We've had some players come back quickly, some players that lasted a little bit longer," coach Jim Schwartz said Monday. "But the one thing we'll be sure to do is be objective and listen to the people that are expert in those decisions. "I say it all the time, but I'll say it again: It's not something that you can put tape around, it's not something that you can tough out. It's a situation that we have to be conservative, and I think it's good for Jahvid, it's good for the NFL.""
Lions RB Jahvid Best's concussion recovery time is unclear
November 1
Detroit News
 
"Not much went wrong for the Lions in the first half of the season. They are 6-2, winning all four of their road games and have managed to stay relatively healthy. But there is one cloud still hovering - the status of starting running back Jahvid Best. He missed his second straight game Sunday after incurring a second concussion in three months against the 49ers. On Monday, coach Jim Schwartz couldn't definitively say whether or not he expected Best to be back after the bye week. "We'll see," he said. "You can't have a timetable on these things. We've gone through it with Justin Durant and Tony Scheffler. Some come back quickly and some last longer.""
Lions don't know if RB Jahvid Best will return after bye
October 31
Detroit News
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz on Monday could not definitively say whether or not he expects running back Jahvid Best to be back after the bye week. Best missed his second straight game Sunday after incurring a second concussion in three months against the 49ers. "We'll see," Schwartz said. "You can't have a timetable on these things. We've gone through it with Justin Durant and Tony Scheffler. Some come back quickly and some last longer.""
Source: Lions' Jahvid Best unlikely to play vs. Broncos
October 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"The headaches have mostly subsided, and Jahvid Best is feeling "pretty normal," but the Detroit Lions running back is likely to miss his second straight game Sunday with a concussion, a person close to Best said today. Best, who suffered his second concussion of the season two weeks ago in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, did not practice today, and it's unknown whether he'll travel with the team to Denver."
Without Jahvid Best, Lions ran well against Falcons
October 25
Detroit News
 
"There was a lot of talk after the 23-16 loss to the Falcons that the offense was severely hamstrung by the absence of running back Jahvid Best. Upon further review, the Lions ran the ball as effectively as they have. They came in averaging 90.8 yards (3.8 per carry). Against the Falcons, they amassed 104 yards (5.2 per carry). "Run game-wise, you know, 20 rushes, over 100 yards, five to a carry," shrugged coach Jim Schwartz. "I think there were a couple things that were positive. We didn't have lost yardage runs and for a few games we were suffering with those. We had some consistency to at least get positive yards." Maurice Morris had 50 yards on nine carries, including a 31-yarder."
Report: 'Close' advisers tell Lions' Best to consider ending season
October 20
Detroit News
 
"The drama surrounding the Lions' running back position has thickened. First, the trade for Eagles running back Ronnie Brown was nixed Wednesday when Jerome Harrison failed his physical in Philadelphia. Harrison was not at the Lions' practice Thursday morning. Neither the Lions nor Harrison's agent, Mitch Frankel, responded to questions regarding Harrison's health. Secondly, according to a report from CBSsports.com's Mike Freeman, "Lions running back Jahvid Best has been advised by people close to him to 'strongly consider sitting out the year' after suffering his second concussion of the season last Sunday." The family is fearful, according the report, that another concussion this season"
Jahvid Best 'day by day'; progress for Justin Durant
October 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions running back Jahvid Best was not allowed to speak with reporters after he suffered the third concussion of his playing career Sunday. Best walked through the locker room briefly Wednesday and said little after missing practice. "As of right now I'm just taking it day by day," he said. Best is part of the Lions' trio of concussed players who missed practice Wednesday. Tight end Tony Scheffler missed Sunday's game and declined to speak with reporters. Only linebacker Justin Durant, who has missed the past three games, shed light on his second career concussion and said he was encouraged by his progress."
Lions not ruling Jahvid Best out of Sunday's game
October 19
Detroit News
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz didn't rule out the possibility of running back Jahvid Best playing in Sunday's game against the Falcons, in an interview with 97.1 FM on Tuesday. Best suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of last week's game against the 49ers. "Oh, sure," Schwartz said when asked if Best could play this week. "He's just needs to pass all his (concussion tests). But again, it's a very objective test by neutral doctors and things like that. The good news with Jahvid is that he was able to finish the game.""
Jahvid Best could play Sunday, Lions coach says
October 18
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't rule Jahvid Best out of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons during his weekly radio appearance on 97.1-FM this morning, but Schwartz said if Best can't play he's confident there won't be any drop-off at the running-back position. "Maurice Morris has always played well when we've given him the football," Schwartz told the station. "He has different roles when Jahvid's been healthy but late in the year last year, middle of the year when Jahvid's toes were bothering him, Maurice came in and played very well. The year before that he went in and rushed for 100 yards. "And Jerome Harrison has been that guy in his career also. Last year he didn't"
Jahvid Best's concussion is a concern for Lions
October 18
Detroit News
 
"It's a concern, a big concern, but as Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Monday, there is nothing anybody can do for running back Jahvid Best except let him go through the process and see how he comes out. Best suffered his second concussion this season in the loss to the 49ers Sunday. "There is a concern because it's the second one," Schwartz said. "But it doesn't change the process for him to be cleared." Best, linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler all will have to go through the NFL-mandated protocol for head injuries this week. It involves getting cleared first by an objective medical examination — outside the organization — as well as passing a battery of tests from the"
Lions running back Jahvid Best suffers second concussion
October 17
Detroit News
 
"Things went from mostly cloudy to dark for the Lions' run game. Jahvid Best, coming off his career-best 163-yard performance on Monday night against the Bears, found little running room Sunday against a fast and hungry 49ers defense. He rushed for 37 yards on 12 carries. Things got worse for Best in the fourth quarter. He sustained a concussion, his second of the year (he had one in training camp), after a 1-yard run. Best was in the locker room after the game, but was not allowed to talk to the media per NFL policy. The Lions did confirm that Best was concussed. Best had a run of concussion-related issues during his junior season at Cal, as well, so the team will proceed with caution."
Jahvid Best helps Lions get better of Bears
October 12
Detroit News
 
"It was well after midnight and the party was still going strong. The crowds of happy fans still were hanging around inside and outside the stadium. In the Lions locker room, Kid Rock was slapping hands with coach Jim Schwartz and posing for pictures with Calvin Johnson. Music was thumping. Dominic Raiola was showing off some pretty deft dance moves. Smiles and laughter were everywhere. Five-and-oh. "This was a great night for the city," Schwartz said, after the Lions beat the rival Chicago Bears, 24-13, in a triumphant return to the "Monday Night Football" stage. "We need to get used to playing in games like this and having an atmosphere like this. The fans did their part tonight and we"
Best helps Lions get better of Bears
October 11
Detroit News
 
"It was well after midnight and the party was still going strong. The crowds of happy fans still were hanging around inside and outside the stadium. In the Lions locker room, Kid Rock was slapping hands with coach Jim Schwartz and posing for pictures with Calvin Johnson. Music was thumping. Dominic Raiola was showing off some pretty deft dance moves. Smiles and laughter were everywhere. Five-and-oh. "This was a great night for the city," Schwartz said, after the Lions beat the rival Chicago Bears, 24-13, in a triumphant return to the "Monday Night Football" stage. "We need to get used to playing in games like this and having an atmosphere like this. The fans did their part tonight and"
Lions' Maurice Morris back from hand injury, ready to complement Jahvid Best
September 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"He doesn't whine, he doesn't complain, sometimes he doesn't even play, but Maurice Morris has been a picture of dependability since joining the Lions as the first free-agent signing of the Jim Schwartz-Martin Mayhew era two years ago. "Whether it's on the field or off the field, I'm a man of few words," Morris said. "I'm all about action." Morris has made the most of his limited action with the Lions, and he could be in for an expanded role in a thin backfield this fall. He played sparingly as a backup to Kevin Smith most of his first season in Detroit, then ran for 126 yards the first time he was used as a feature back after Smith suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Last year,"
Lions RB Jahvid Best will return in exhibition finale
August 31
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said running back Jahvid Best will play in Thursday's exhibition finale at Buffalo. Best hasn't played since suffering a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Browns cornerback Joe Haden during the Lions' first offensive snap in the second exhibition at Cleveland. Best, who suffered a concussion his junior year at Cal, has returned to practice for a week under the watchful eye of coaches and trainers. He missed Saturday's exhibition against New England and said he's eager to return -- although he said he is neither anxious, nor curious, about absorbing his next hit."
Lions RB Jahvid Best says he's 'normal,' still likely out vs. Patriots
August 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jahvid Best took his regular spot with the Lions' No. 1 offense Wednesday, five days after he suffered his first concussion as a pro and three days after he thought he'd be back on the field. "When we came in on Sunday, I thought everything was fine, and I thought I was going to practice and everything," Best said. "They told me, 'You've got to take a break for a minute.' So, can't fight that." Best took part in the Lions' entire helmets-only practice and said he felt no aftereffects from the head injury that knocked him out of last week's exhibition victory over the Browns after just three plays. "I knew I was going to be normal, and I was normal," he said Still, coach Jim Schwartz has"
Jahvid Best, Kyle Vanden Bosch probably out vs. Patriots
August 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Running back Jahvid Best and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch missed their third straight practice today for the Detroit Lions. Coach Jim Schwartz said Best has been medically cleared to return from the concussion he suffered in Friday's 30-28 exhibition win over the Cleveland Browns and likely will resume practicing Wednesday. But he probably won't play Saturday against the New England Patriots. "We'll be in shorts tomorrow, so it'll be a good chance for him to run and get his legs but not be hitting or get hit," Schwartz said."
Lions RB Jahvid Best skips practice after concussion vs. Browns
August 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jahvid Best missed the final four games of his junior season at Cal after suffering a scary concussion against Oregon State. For that reason, the Lions are being extra careful with his most recent head injury. Best sat out practice Sunday, two days after suffering a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit from Joe Haden on the first offensive play in Friday's 30-28 exhibition win over Cleveland. Best was not seen on the practice field or in the locker room, but coach Jim Schwartz downplayed the severity of the running back's injury. "When he was originally on the sideline he was, I don't want to say bell-rung, but he was bell-rung and then he recovered pretty quickly," Schwartz said. "At that"
Lions RB Jahvid Best skips practice after concussion vs. Browns
August 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jahvid Best missed the final four games of his junior season at Cal after suffering a scary concussion against Oregon State. For that reason, the Lions are being extra careful with his most recent head injury. Best sat out practice Sunday, two days after suffering a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit from Joe Haden on the first offensive play in Friday's 30-28 exhibition win over Cleveland. Best was not seen on the practice field or in the locker room, but coach Jim Schwartz downplayed the severity of the running back's injury. "When he was originally on the sideline he was, I don't want to say bell-rung, but he was bell-rung and then he recovered pretty quickly," Schwartz said. "At that"
Is Jahvid Best latest example of 'Lions' Luck'?
August 21
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"Jahvid Best said he felt a little "woozy." He's not alone. His possible concussion on the Lions' first play from scrimmage Friday night in Cleveland inspired more than a few wobbling knees. There must be legitimate concerns now that Best is developing the same injury-prone reputation as quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions insisted it wasn't a big deal, declining to officially categorize it as a concussion. It's uncertain whether Best will practice this afternoon. Best assured reporters following the game that if this were the second game of the regular season, he would've promptly returned. Coach Jim Schwartz said they had already decided to pull Best from the game even before trainers"
Lions' Jahvid Best 'not concerned at all'
August 20
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best fumbled the ball on his second carry of the game, but coach Jim Schwartz said Best actually got hurt on his first running attempt. In Detroit's 30-28 preseason win over the Cleveland Browns, Best was jammed up in the middle on this first attempt and then bounced it right and was tackled at the sideline. One play later, Best was held up at the line of scrimmage and had the ball knocked loose. He was removed from the game at that point. "I honestly don't have an update," Schwartz said after the game. "He got hit on the sideline on the one and he was a little woozy so we just kept him out of the game the rest of the way." When asked if Best was tested"
Lions RB Jahvid Best complains of wooziness, leaves exhibition game
August 20
Detroit News
 
"They aren't using the C-word, but running back Jahvid Best left the Lions' 30-28 exhibition win after just three plays Friday, complaining that he felt woozy. Best had a history of concussion problems when he played at Cal. "I just felt a little woozy early on," he said. "It's nothing bad but I just wasn't feeling right so they just told me to sit down." Best got hit hard on the sidelines on the Lions' first play from scrimmage. He took a swing pass from Matthew Stafford and took it nine yards before getting popped by Browns cornerback Joe Haden. "It wasn't anything big, but I just didn't feel right," Best said. He ran the next play and got two yards and a first down. On the next play, he"
Lions will lean on a healthy Jahvid Best
August 11
Michigan Live
 
"There were big plans in place for the Detroit Lions and their two-pronged running attack of Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure, but all that changed in a flash when Leshoure was lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. "That's the bummer about it - he was such a fine young player. He's going to have a great career, I told him it's a temporary setback for him,'' said Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The Lions, in addition to veterans Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown, recently signed experienced free agent runners Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell to help replace Leshoure. "These other guys we brought in have some really good qualities as runners. They have different styles. We"
Lions' Jahvid Best on recent workout: 'still got the jets ... feet feel good'
March 30
Detroit News
 
"Plenty of attention has been focused on the offseason rehab of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his injured right shoulder - and rightly so. But starting running back Jahvid Best is also on the mend and looking forward to getting past the turf toe injuries that hampered his rookie season. "Speed workout done... still got the jets... feet feel good!" Best tweeted Tuesday. That's good news for the Lions. Two separate turf toe injuries started hampering Best in Week 3, and he never fully recovered but still played through the injuries. Best, a first-round draft pick, scored the first five touchdowns for the Lions to start the season, becoming the first NFL player to accomplish that"
Jim Schwartz: Jahvid Best's turf-toe injuries don't worry me
March 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"The biggest knock on Jahvid Best coming out of college was his ability to stay healthy. He suffered a concussion and missed four games his final season at Cal and suffered hip and elbow injuries early in his collegiate career. Best didn't make it a month before turf-toe injuries slowed his rookie season, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz said during the NFL owners meetings that the running back's rocky first year hasn't dissuaded the organization from believing Best can handle whatever size workload the Lions need. "Whatever we need him to do, he can do it," Schwartz said. "Obviously, his toes didn't allow him to be able to do that for about eight or nine games in the middle of the season, and"
Lions look forward to seeing a healthy Jahvid Best
January 30
Detroit News
 
"Lions fans still wonder how this season would have been different with a healthy Matthew Stafford under center. But I'm curious how the season would have been different with a healthy Jahvid Best. "We saw early in the year and in preseason what Jahvid Best is and what he will be," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "But we didn't see that for most of the remaining part of the season except for glimpses over the last (three or four) games." Two separate turf toe injuries started hampering Best in Week 3, and he was never the same. Best scored the Lions' first five touchdowns to start the season, the first NFL player to accomplish the feat since Dutch of the Decatur Staleys in 1920. Best rushed"
Jahvid Best, Gosder Cherilus return to Detroit Lions practice
December 1
Michigan Live
 
"Rookie running back Jahvid Best and right tackle Gosder Cherilus both returned to practice today but quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Matthew Stafford remained sidelined. Hill has reportedly broken his right index finger and could miss the rest of the season. Stafford said he might begin some light throwing this week, but he didn't do anything yesterday or today during practice in the 30-minute span that reporters are allowed to watch."
Lions RB Best, DE Avril practice, expected to play Thursday
November 24
NFL.com
 
"The Detroit Lions received some good news Tuesday when rookie running back Jahvid Best and defensive end Cliff Avril were able to practice. MLive.com reported both are expected to play in Thursday's game against the New England Patriots, as are defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee) and defensive tackle Corey Williams (shoulder), each of whom didn't participate Tuesday. Best has battled a turf toe injuries all season and Avril has a nagging hip injury."
Lions RB Jahvid Best in pain, but practices anyway
November 23
Detroit News
 
"Say this about running back Jahvid Best, he isn't going to give up without a fight. Best, despite debilitating turf toe injuries on both feet, was on the practice field Tuesday. He clearly was still hobbling and making cuts gingerly, but early in practice he was taking reps with the first offense. "The kind of person I am, I never want to sit down," Best said after the game in Dallas on Sunday. "I always want to be in there." Four starters were held out of practice Tuesday: tight end Tony Scheffler (ribs), defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee), defensive tackle Corey Williams (shoulder) and kicker Jason Hanson (knee)."
Toe injuries dog Lions' rookie Jahvid Best
November 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jahvid Best's turf-toe injuries have gotten progressively worse over the past two months to the point he was a nonfactor in Sunday's 35-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. But should he have been a factor at all? Rather than give Best a few extra days of rest and save him for the Thanksgiving game against the Patriots, the Lions chose to limit their rookie running back to a handful of snaps and play him only in certain packages Sunday. "We're not trying to save anything for next week at all," coach Jim Schwartz said. "If a player can fill a role, we're going to have him out there. There's no player that's 100% right now. The key is trying to find that balance of what he can do, what he's able"
Jahvid Best's turf toe condition is getting worse
November 23
Detroit News
 
"Even though the end result could be that his starting tailback will be at diminished capacity for two games instead of one, Lions coach Jim Schwartz defended his decision to play injured rookie Jahvid Best Sunday in Dallas. "We're not trying to save anything for next week at all," Schwartz said. "We're not trying to play for next week. If a player can fill a role we're going to have him out there. Nobody is 100 percent right now." Best has been dealing with turf toe injuries on both of his feet since Week Three. Schwartz admitted Sunday and again on Monday that the injury was getting progressively worse. Had Best sat out Sunday, he would have had 10 full days - from the loss in Buffalo"
Ailing Lions RB Jahvid Best can't put best feet forward
November 22
Detroit News
 
"The Lions have been coy about the health of running back Jahvid Best's feet for the last six weeks. Sunday, their actions spoke louder than any words. Best, ailing from turf toe injuries on both feet, was unable to play anywhere near his capabilities against the Cowboys. He did not start and his playing time was limited. "This was different," said Best, who had three carries for 2 yards and four catches for 15 yards. "It bothered me more this week, so my role was reduced. I just tried to go out there and make something happen." There was no burst of speed. He was unable to make quick cuts. It was painful to watch. There was a run in the second half where he had room around left end. A"
Lions RB Jahvid Best's injured toes still not better
November 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jahvid Best's lingering turf-toe injury finally got the better of him. Best did not start and played a limited role in Sunday's 35-19 loss at Dallas. He finished with three carries for a season-low 2 yards and had another 15 yards receiving. "Jahvid's been struggling with his toe since the Minnesota game," coach Jim Schwartz said. "And it's been something that has, rather than progressively get better, it's been one of those ones that's progressively hindered him more and more. We tried to stop that slide and tried to limit his play time, get him in certain packages." Best suffered a sprained left toe in the opener at Chicago and a sprained right big toe in Week 3 against the Vikings. He"