Nothing is official just yet, but it sounds as though Lions running back Kevin Smith may be active for the first time all season this upcoming Sunday in Green Bay.
"I am not going to make any commitment that I don't have any control over, but it looks like I could be getting some action," he said.
Smith didn't get his hopes up too much just in case he isn't active, which is probably a good idea. Jim Schwartz didn't sound like he was 100% ready to say that Smith would play on Sunday, as reflected in his comments below.
"He's getting a lot closer," coach Jim Schwartz said. "What we need to balance with Kevin is injuries to other players and where the team is, and we still need to make the right choice for where he is. Kevin's been chomping at the bit. He's ready to go. But sometimes you have to look at it objectively. I know he's a lot closer now than he was in the preseason."
Schwartz may want to hold off on getting Smith into an actual game for a little bit longer, but with Jahvid Best and Aaron Brown banged up, he may have to play Smith. It's unknown if Best and Brown will be good to go on Sunday, but even if they are, it may be wise to dress another back in case these injuries flare up on game day. The last thing the Lions need is to be short of depth at running back because Smith isn't dressed and other backs get banged up, so that could greatly contribute to Smith getting a chance to finally play.