Detroit Lions Sign Aaron Brown, Officially Place Jahvid Best On IR

Running back Jahvid Best was officially placed on injured reserve by the Detroit Lions today. The move ended his season and opened up a spot on the roster. The Lions decided to fill it with a familiar face: running back Aaron Brown.

Brown was drafted by the Lions in 2009 and appeared in 15 games during his rookie year. He made two starts and gained 131 yards on 27 carries. In 2010, Brown appeared in only six games and rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries. He has one career touchdown -- a 26-yard reception on a pass from Matthew Stafford in the 2009 game against the Cleveland Browns.

Brown was let go by the Lions following the final round of roster cuts this year. They replaced him with Keiland Williams, who was one of only two healthy running backs on the roster prior to the Brown signing.

The Lions worked Brown out during their bye week, but they decided to sign Kevin Smith instead. Smith had a breakout game against the Panthers and was playing well against the Packers before suffering an ankle injury that has put his status for Sunday's game against the Saints in question. Since Brown knows the offense, he should be ready to go if Smith can't play.