Jahvid

Best

With All Pro Kevin Williams back from suspension, the Vikings swarmed the line of scrimmage, shutting down Best’s running lanes. From a fantasy perspective, his day was saved with a 60-yard screen play that led to Calvin Johnson’s 5-yard score. Best is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry through three weeks, but his major role in a lethal passing attack keeps him at the RB2 level.

The PPR monster also had four catches but just nine yards to show for them. Outside of a 123 total yard, two-TD effort in Week 2, Best had not topped 72 yards rushing or scored a TD in any other week. Best’s 163 yards on the ground shattered his previous career-high set in Week 1, and his 88-yard touchdown single-handedly moved his yards per carry average from 3.25 to 4.48 in one play. Best gets a San Francisco rush defense that ranks seventh in yards per attempt (3.6) in Week 6.

Schwartz simply said that if Best passes his concussion tests, he’ll be out there. It’s a longshot considering Best’s history, but at least the door isn’t closed yet. Schwartz did go on to praise Maurice Morris and Jerome Harrison, saying he’s confident there won’t be a dropoff in the running game if the starter sits. Morris is a must-add for Best owners as the Lions may choose to work around the Week 9 bye.

Birkett expects Ronnie Brown to be active if Best sits out, but it may take him a week or two to carve out a more substantial role. Birkett also believes Brown will only have a major impact this year if Best’s concussion issues are worse than the Lions have let on. “Jahvid’s still the guy,” says Birkett.

The majority of the fourth-quarter work went to Maurice Morris, but Schwartz said that was just part of the game plan. We’re not buying that, but there’s no reason to buy into unsubstantiated internet reports that Best is headed to injured reserve either. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, this Sunday is a question mark but there is no talk of putting Best on IR. The Lions have the Week 9 bye to work around as Best goes through the NFL’s concussion protocol. “There is a concern because it’s the second one,” Schwartz said. “But it doesn’t change the process for him to be cleared.”

Maurice Morris will start in place of Best with Keiland Williams also working into the mix. The Lions figure to go pass-heavy, as usual, against a Falcons defense that is stronger against the run. We don’t like Morris as more than a flex option this week. TE Tony Scheffler and LB Justin Durant are both returning from concussions on Sunday.

Schwartz’s comments come one week after president Tom Lewand said Best was “on pace” to participate in the offseason program. For his part, Best declared himself symptom-free in early January, and said he would “definitely” play next season. If all goes right, Best will be part of a 2012 timeshare with Mikel Leshoure.

“He’s doing the same things everybody else is doing,” confirmed coach Jim Schwartz. While it’s a good sign that Best can work out fully, his real test won’t come until live-contact training camp practices and preseason games.

Although they were effectively one-dimensional, the Lions were among the most one-dimensional teams in the league, lining up with at least three receivers on the field 74.8 percent of the time. Only 32.2 percent of their offensive snaps came from under center. The health of Best and Mikel Leshoure will be essential to the Lions’ chances of taking another step forward in 2012.

“We’ve gotten good reports on Jahvid,” Mayhew said. “There’s not really a sense of urgency right now. The doctors want to be patient, so we understand that.” All signs are pointing toward Best resuming his career in 2012, but until he’s officially cleared, proceed with caution in dynasty leagues.