Kevin

Smith

The versatile Smith should come cheaply enough considering his checkered injury history. The Lions reportedly have visions of a Saints-like backfield with Smith joining Jahvid Best (concussions) and Mikel Leshoure (Achilles).

Smith won’t be high on GM Martin Mayhew’s list of priorities, but there’s interest in bringing back Smith at the right price. Smith emphasized that he “loves” his teammates and coaches as well as the Lions organization. “We’ll see in March,” said Smith. “I know Detroit has shown interest in bringing me back for another season.”

Smith may be as injury-prone as any back in the NFL, but he was impressive in late-season action whenever he took the field semi-healthy. The Lions could use him in a New Orleans-style three-back committee if he’s brought back.

One season after going unsigned until November, Smith gets a soft landing with the only team he’s ever known. Coming off another injury-checkered campaign, he received no other known interest in free agency. Smith was effective and versatile when he managed to get on the field in 2011, but less so after severely spraining his ankle on Thanksgiving. If all goes according to plan for the Lions, he’ll join Jahvid Best (concussions) and Mikel Leshoure (Achilles) in a three-man, rotational backfield. Smith’s injury history and the presence of Best and Leshoure greatly curb his fantasy upside in both dynasty and redraft formats.

Smith has been running as the third-team tailback in practices. We remain skeptical that he’ll have fantasy value in the next couple of weeks, but the coaching staff has been impressed with his condition. The depth chart isn’t a daunting climb with Jahvid Best (concussion) out.

“After you guys left, I got to do some stuff,” Smith said. “I felt pretty good for a Wednesday. At this pace, I’m excited. I’m just rehabbing the heck out of it.” If Smith had a true high ankle sprain, he wouldn’t have been able to run at all just six days after his injury. While it would be a surprise if he played against the Saints Sunday night, signs point toward Smith being a major factor in the fantasy playoffs.

Smith will likely end up as a “limited” participant, but he’s trending in the right direction. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, Smith ran a cone and bag drill Thursday “without issue” and it “looks like he’ll be a go barring a tweak.” At this point, it’s obvious Smith’s Thanksgiving ankle sprain was of the mild variety. He was the No. 1 back in position drills today.

“Every day it’s getting better so at this pace I’m excited,” Smith said. "... I feel good, it’s still an ankle sprain, but it’s football.” Smith is taking the first-team reps, so the Lions obviously believe he’s on track to play against the Saints. If he puts in another full practice on Friday, there’s RB2 value here in an enticing matchup.

Coach Jim Schwartz noted that Smith is “making improvements every day,” but it’s “probably too soon to tell” if he’ll start against the Saints this week. For what it’s worth, Tim Twentyman of the Lions official website believes Smith should be ready to play by Sunday.

Smith was able to participate in group stretching today, but was otherwise limited to working on the side with team trainers. It remains unclear how serious his ankle injury really is, but there’s so far been nothing to suggest he’ll be active against the Saints. His status will be updated on Thursday.