Schwartz: Maurice Morris has "answered the bell" in the past

The Lions are searching for answers after the Ronnie Brown trade was nullified yesterday due to Jerome Harrison's physical.

Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams shared reps at practice Wednesday, with Morris working with the first team. He likely will start Sunday if Jahvid Best cannot play.

"Maurice has answered the bell anytime that it's rung for him," Schwartz said. "He's been a very productive runner for us and we know that he'll do well if he plays on Sunday and Keiland has shown some really nice things. A little bit more short-yardage and goal line and things like that, but that doesn't mean that's the only thing he can do.

"He played a lot of third down back for the Redskins last year. He's done some really nice things for us and, no matter who we're handing the ball to, we expect them to gain yards and be able to make explosive plays for us."

Morris is the guy to own in the Lions' backfield if Best can't play. Williams will rotate in, but we expect Morris to lead the team in touches while Best is sidelined. He's not anywhere as explosive as Best, but he might be a better between-the-tackles runner.