Kevin Smith

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he’s “a little bit surprised” and “a little bit disappointed” that running back Jahvid Best still hasn’t been cleared for contact 9 1/2 months after his last concussion.

“Everything was trending toward him being ready to go the first day of training camp,” Mayhew said before practice today. “It didn’t happen that way, so you have to kind of adjust. We have adjusted our expectation on that.”

"It’s up to the medical professionals to decide when he’s going to be available. Eventually he will get cleared. I’m very positive. I feel very comfortable saying that. It’s just a question of the timing of it is up to those guys.”

"It’s really frustrating and it’s like (coach Jim Schwartz) has said before, it’s not like a hamstring," Mayhew said. "This is a unique medical situation that’s different for every individual and it’s totally out of our control. It’s totally up to the best experts around the country. He’s got a battery of doctors; you get on a conference call and there’s 20 guys on the call. So he’s got the experts and those guys will make a determination when he’s ready to play."

We are taking a "hands off" approach with Best this season. Mikel Leshoure is in the mix, but is already dealing with a tweaked hamstring. Kevin Smith may be the best value in the Lions backfield right now. Even if Best is cleared, one more blow to the head could end his season.