Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Best recovering well to start new season - NFL News
Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is getting better after missing out the majority of the last season, and has been given the go ahead to start working out.
Best was placed on injured reserve early in the season after experiencing concussion like symptoms in game week six in a 25-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
According to sources, Best will be ready to participate in the Lions Organised training activities (OTAs), minicamps and training camps and is likely to feature for Detroit at the start of the new season.
This will be good news for the franchise which missed two of its key running backs in the previous season and left them dependent on the passing game, putting more pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford to deliver.
Best has history with concussions and his time with the Lions has been repeatedly hampered by recurrent concussion like symptoms since joining the franchise in 2010 as a first round draft pick.
However, the running back was in fine form for Detroit early in the season before he suffered the injury.
The 23-year-old helped the Lions go 5-0 for the first time since 1956 early in the season as he rushed for a total of 390 yards and scored two touchdowns of 84 attempts.
The running back also made 27 receptions for 287 yards and scored a touchdown.
Given his form, Best could easily have become one of the best offensive weapons for Detroit but unfortunately injuries once again stopped his progress.
With Best out for the season, Detroit became increasingly dependent on their passing game but that did not stop them from reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson's mesmerising form helped Detroit power their way to a 10-6 finish and make it to the wild-card round of the postseason.
Stafford passed for a total of 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns which won him the Comeback Player of the Year award this year.
Detroit faced the New Orleans Saints in the playoff round and after a high scoring encounter were eventually knocked out 45-28 after Saints quarterback Drew Brees put in a game winning shift in the second half.
The Lions will be happy with Best’s progress and his return to the roster will provide another outlet for the franchise.
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