BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC LAC LV MIA NE NYJ PIT TEN
ARI ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB LAR MIN NO NYG PHI SEA SF TB WAS
QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Giants | Speaking to running backs Tue Sep 3, 02:18 PM
The New York Giants have spoken to free agent RBs Ryan Grant (Packers) and Kevin Smith (Lions), but the team is not expected to sign anyone until Week 2.
| Footballguys view: The Giants are looking for better depth at the RB position behind David Wilson. They could add a veteran after the first week of the regular season. Then the salary would not be fully guaranteed for the entire year. |
Ryan Grant player page
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith unsure about lack of playing time Thu Jan 10, 01:51 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith said he is not sure why he was not used more this season after performing well in 2011. Smith finished the season with 37 carries for 134 yards and one touchdown as well as 79 receiving yards and one touchdown. 'I didn't really see why. There was never an answer given as to why. I think I dealt with it like a professional, and in my mind, I would have been able to deal with it easier if there was something told to me like, 'Hey Kevin, you need to work on this,'' Smith said. Smith said he would still like to re-sign with the team this offseason.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Week 17 Inactives Sun Dec 30, 11:37 AM
The Detroit Lions have declared OT Corey Hilliard, CB Drayton Florence, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, RB Kevin Smith, SS Ricardo Silva, DL Ronnell Lewis inactive for Week 17.
| Footballguys view: Calvin Johnson is going for 2000 receiving yards, so both he and Matthew Stafford are solid plays today. |
Kevin Smith player page
Ronnell Lewis player page
Kellen Moore player page
Lions | Two probable Fri Dec 28, 05:30 PM
Detroit Lions S Don Carey (knee) fully practiced Friday, Dec. 28, and is probable for Week 17. RB Kevin Smith (thumb) was limited in practice and is probable.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Don Carey III player page
Lions | Mikel Leshoure hits paydirt Sun Dec 16, 09:15 PM
Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure carried 14 times for 55 yards and a touchdown in the Week 15 loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Leshoure has eight rushing touchdowns, the most since RB Kevin Smith had eight in 2008.
| Footballguys view: Leshoure looked like he was on the way to a nice game after his touchdown opened the scoring in the second quarter, but the Lions unraveled after that. |
Kevin Smith player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith plays more in Week 11 Mon Nov 19, 08:40 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith saw action on 19 of his team's offensive snaps in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers, as opposed to just 10 for RB Joique Bell.
| Footballguys view: An interesting development here. There were no reports about Smith overtaking Bell during the week and Bell did not get banged up on Sunday. This makes Bell a shaky flex start going forward in PPR leagues. |
Kevin Smith player page
Joique Bell player page
Lions | Joique Bell sees more work late in Week 8 Wed Oct 31, 12:26 PM
Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell took over the team's workload at running back in the second half of Week 8, overtaking RB Mikel Leshoure (leg). Leshoure had nine carries and three receptions through two quarters, but gave way to Bell in the second half. Leshoure had just one touch the rest of the way, while Bell racked up seven carries and four receptions for 58 total yards. 'Leshoure really wasn't an injury situation,' head coach Jim Schwartz explained. 'Joique was doing some good things for us, and we were rotating our backs through.' RB Kevin Smith was also back in the mix at running back. He was used primarily as a blocker on the 12 snaps he played, but also had a seven-yard reception and a one-yard run. Bell said ball security was a focus for him in practice after he fumbled the week prior. 'I came out this week in practice with the sole focus of ball security, ball security, ball security,' Bell said.
| Footballguys view: If Leshoure can't play this weekend then we'll see Bell in as the team's starter. Fantasy owners should grab Bell as a precaution right now. |
Kevin Smith player page
Joique Bell player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Week 7 Inactives Mon Oct 22, 07:33 PM
The Detroit Lions have declared CB Bill Bentley, OT Corey Hilliard, CB Jacob Lacey, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, RB Kevin Smith, DL Ronnell Lewis inactive for Week 7.
Kevin Smith player pageJacob Lacey player page
Ronnell Lewis player page
Kellen Moore player page
Bill Bentley player page
Lions | Joique Bell's role expanding Wed Oct 17, 11:57 AM
Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell's role has expanded as the season has progressed and he's continued to make plays. Bell has emerged as a receiving threat for the team; he is fourth among all NFL running backs with 178 receiving yards this season. Bell has averaged almost 22 offensive snaps per game over the last four weeks and has carried the ball 19 times and caught 13 passes. His ability to break tackles and get tough yards is one of the things the coaches like about his game. He can get yards on his own. Bell's increased role has coincided with a limited one for RB Kevin Smith, who was inactive in Week 6.
| Footballguys view: Bell doesn't need space to be effective, he can create his own space by running guys over. He's turned into a good receiving option out of the backfield and could see an increased role as a between the tackles 'closer' for the Lions. |
Kevin Smith player page
Joique Bell player page
Lions | Week 6 Inactives Sun Oct 14, 11:43 AM
The Detroit Lions have declared DL Corey Williams, OT Corey Hilliard, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, RB Kevin Smith, SS Ricardo Silva, LB Tahir Whitehead inactive for Week 6.
| Footballguys view: This is a sure sign that Smith is not figuring into the Lions plans at running back. He can be dropped in all formats. |
Kevin Smith player page
Kellen Moore player page
Tahir Whitehead player page
Lions | Running game not getting it done Mon Oct 1, 10:42 PM
The Detroit Lions have run the ball 25 times per game during the first four contests, but their running backs are averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. RB Mikel Leshoure has had 39 attempts for 126 yards (3.2 yds/att), RB Kevin Smith has had 29 attempts for 115 yards (4.0 yds/att) and RB Joique Bell has carried 13 times for 40 yards (3.1 yds/att).
| Footballguys view: The Lions need to jump start their ground game and we're expecting them to stick with Leshoure here. Fantasy owners should stick with Leshoure as well. Know that he has low end RB2 value most weeks with RB1 upside. |
Kevin Smith player page
Joique Bell player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith now No. 3 running back? Mon Sep 24, 05:58 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith may have fallen to third on the team's depth chart if the team's rotation during Week 3 is any indication. Smith did not have a carry during the game and had very limited snaps against the Tennessee Titans.
| Footballguys view: Instead of Smith behind Mikel Leshoure we saw Joique Bell. Smith gives the team good veteran depth but can be dropped in shallow leagues since he's third on the depth chart. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Mikel Leshoure starting Sun Sep 23, 12:16 PM
Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure will start over RB Kevin Smith in the team's Week 3 game against the Tennessee Titans.
| Footballguys view: Jim Schwartz has been pining for a power back to lead his running game, and it looks like he is eager to see what Leshoure can do. |
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Smith split reps Wed Sep 19, 12:21 PM
Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure returned to practice Wednesday, Sept. 19, after serving a two-game suspension for marijuana possession. Leshoure split first-team reps with RB Kevin Smith and should play in Week 3.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Mikel Leshoure will get carries in Week 3 Thu Sep 13, 03:44 PM
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said the team will give RB Mikel Leshoure carries Week 3 after he completes his two-game suspension. Linehan said he hopes Leshoure will be able to build on what he did during the preseason. Linehan said he has not thought about how he will split carries between Leshoure and RB Kevin Smith.
| Footballguys view: Leshoure is the most talented RB on the Lions roster. He has a nice size/speed combination and can wear down a defense with his power style. Leshoure is coming back from the Achilles' injury that cost him the entire 2011 season. Pick him up on your waivers this week in case he's a breakout player later in the year. |
Kevin Smith player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith finds end zone twice Sun Sep 9, 11:03 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith carried 13 times for 62 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams, and he added four receptions for 29 yards and the game-winning TD catch with just 10 seconds left in the game.
| Footballguys view: Smith never really got free, but he helped the Lions advance in small chunks, and he was efficient in the red zone. He has one more week as the sole lead back before Mikel Leshoure comes back, but it's a tough one vs. the 49ers. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Several could miss preseason finale Wed Aug 29, 10:35 AM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle), CB Chris Houston (ankle), CB Bill Bentley (shoulder), WR Titus Young, LB Stephen Tulloch (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee), DE Lawrence Jackson and DE Travis Lewis (quadriceps) missed practice Tuesday, Aug. 28, and it wouldn't be surprising if they didn't play in the preseason finale.
Link to storyKyle Vanden Bosch player page
Stephen Tulloch player page
Lawrence Jackson player page
Chris Houston player page
Kevin Smith player page
Titus Young player page
Bill Bentley player page
Travis Lewis player page
Lions | Searching for more RBs Tue Aug 28, 06:32 PM
Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has been calling other teams in search of help at the running back position. RBs Jahvid Best (concussion) and Mikel Leshoure haven't been able to stay healthy, and now RB Kevin Smith (ankle) is dealing with an ankle injury. Best will open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list and Leshoure is suspended for the first two games of the season.
| Footballguys view: The Lions need help at the RB position and are making some phone calls to see who is out there. Some think the Broncos could be interested in dealing Knowshon Moreno if the price was right. Moreno played with Matthew Stafford in college at Georgia and is a quality receiving back. A guy like Chris Ivory could be available from the Saints. He's been outplayed by Travaris Cadet this preseason and is on the roster bubble. |
Kevin Smith player page
Jahvid Best player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith sits out Mon Aug 27, 10:08 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice Monday, Aug. 27, due to an ankle sprain suffered in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25.
| Footballguys view: Smith is in line to start for the team while Mikel Leshoure is suspended for the first two games of the year. This latest injury is a warning to fantasy owners about his long history of injuries as a pro. When Leshoure comes back he's clearly the more talented back and could wrestle the starting job away from Smith, even if Smith is healthy. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith says he will be fine Sun Aug 26, 11:38 AM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) said he will be fine after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25. He said the X-rays on the ankle were negative and expects to recover from the injury quickly.
| Footballguys view: We wish we could believe him, but Smith has been injury prone in the past. Pay close attention to whether Joique Bell or Keiland Williams wins the backup job until Mikel LeShoure comes back, because either could have early season waiver wire value. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith injury update Sat Aug 25, 09:41 PM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) suffered an ankle injury in the third preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25, and is questionable to return.
| Footballguys view: Smith is one of the most injury prone RBs in the NFL. He'd start for the Lions for at least the first two weeks of the season while Mikel Leshoure misses time with a suspension. This is the same ankle that he injured late last year and his durability issues are a huge concern for fantasy owners. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith limps off Sat Aug 25, 09:02 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (undisclosed) limped off the field during the third preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25, because of an undisclosed injury.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith injured during practice Wed Aug 8, 12:29 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (quadriceps) took a knee to his quadriceps during practice Wednesday, Aug. 8. Head coach Jim Schwartz said Smith should be fine.
| Footballguys view: Smith says he's feels better than ever and he'll likely open the season as the Lions starter. However, he's injury prone and has failed to stay healthy during his pro career. He'll begin the season as the starter but there's a good chance Mikel Leshoure takes over as the lead back when he returns from his two game suspension. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith impressing his coach Tue Aug 7, 02:46 AM
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has been happy with RB Kevin Smith during training camp. 'He's a very consistent player. He's very good mentally,' Schwartz said. He went on to note Smith knows the team's offense inside and out and has done a nice job of picking up a few special teams. 'Kevin has had not just a good training camp, but a good offseason program for us,' Schwartz noted.
| Footballguys view: Smith should open the season as the starter for the Lions with Mikel LeShoure suspended. If healthy Smith could post solid RB2/flex numbers in that high powered Lions offense. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Disappointed with Jahvid Best's progress Tue Jul 31, 12:50 PM
Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he's 'a little bit surprised' and 'a little bit disappointed' that RB Jahvid Best (concussion) has not been cleared for contact nine months following his last concussion. Best is symptom-free and has been working out since December. The team isn't in a rush to make a move to fortify the running back corps in case Best can't play. RBs Kevin Smith and Stefan Logan have taken most of the repetitions in training camp so far with RB Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) dealing with a hamstring injury.
| Footballguys view: Our Jene Bramel clarified the situation - no one really knows when Best will get cleared to play. He's not worth taking in the first 10 rounds right now. Both Mikel Leshoure and Kevin Smith are moving up our draft boards. |
Stefan Logan player page
Kevin Smith player page
Jahvid Best player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith works with first team Sat Jul 28, 12:15 AM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith worked with the first-team offense in practice Friday, July 27. He looks much strong than last year.
| Footballguys view: Mikel Leshoure is facing a two-game suspension so Smith could be the team's week one starter if Jahvid Best is not ready. Best (concussions) has still not been cleared to resume practice at this time. |
Kevin Smith player page
Jahvid Best player page
Mikel Leshoure player page
Lions | Kevin Smith re-signs Tue Mar 27, 11:04 AM
The Detroit Lions re-signed RB Kevin Smith to a one-year deal.
| Footballguys view: Smith looked good last year when healthy, and is a good signing for the Lions. He'll give them veteran depth and could be the starter if injuries continue to plague Jahvid Best and Mikel LeShoure. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Talking with Kevin Smith about return Wed Mar 21, 12:16 PM
The Detroit Lions are in negotiations with free-agent RB Kevin Smith about a return to the Lions. Smith started four games for the Lions last season; on the year he rushed 72 times for 356 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
| Footballguys view: Smith will be a cheap third-string RB who could see action early in the season if Mikel LeShoure and Jahvid Best are brought back slowly from their injuries. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith wants to return Mon Feb 13, 07:53 AM
Detroit Lions impending free-agent RB Kevin Smith said he is committed to returning next season. 'Every interview I've done, even though I'm a free agent, I've referred to (Detroit) and me as 'us,'' Smith said. 'I'm on the Lions roster in my opinion until I'm not.'
| Footballguys view: Smith would be third on the depth chart provided both Mikel LeShoure (Achilles') and Jahvid Best (concussions) are healthy. He filled in nicely last year but was also hurt. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith hopes to return Fri Feb 10, 05:44 PM
Detroit Lions impending free-agent RB Kevin Smith wants to re-sign with the Lions this offseason.
| Footballguys view: Smith would be third on the depth chart provided both Mikel LeShoure (Achilles') and Jahvid Best (concussions) are healthy. He filled in nicely last year but was also hurt. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith unsure if he will return Sat Jan 21, 11:59 AM
Detroit Lions impending free-agent RB Kevin Smith said he would to re-sign with the team this offseason but is not sure if the team is interested in bringing him back. The Lions are expected be getting RBs Jahvid Best (concussion) and Mikel Leshoure (Achilles') back from injuries.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith probable Fri Jan 6, 04:44 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle, knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 6, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith limited Thu Jan 5, 05:49 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle, knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 5.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith limited Wed Jan 4, 05:55 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Jan. 4.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith, Tony Scheffler fine Wed Jan 4, 02:03 PM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said RB Kevin Smith and TE Tony Scheffler were fine after their collision and were able to finish practice Wednesday, Jan. 4.
Link to storyTony Scheffler player page
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith, Tony Scheffler collide in practice Wed Jan 4, 12:43 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith and TE Tony Scheffler ran into each other during a passing drill during practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. Smith went to the ground and was surrounded by trainers after the collision. The team is expected to update his condition after practice.
Link to storyTony Scheffler player page
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith expected to play Fri Dec 30, 05:28 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 30. He is listed as probable for Week 17 and is expected to play.
| Footballguys view: Smith should get enough work to justify a flex play with RB2 upside, but the call-up of Joique Bell signaled that he might rest his problem ankle some this week too. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith practices Thu Dec 29, 06:57 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 29.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith practices Wed Dec 28, 05:03 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 28.
| Footballguys view: The Lions are going to the playoffs, but still have something to play for in terms of playoff seeding. They'll go all out to win this weekend, but may decide to limit Smith in order to keep him fresh for the playoffs. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith may sit out Week 17 Mon Dec 26, 06:31 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) may not play Week 17 so he can rest his injured ankle.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith scores pair of TDs Sat Dec 24, 10:28 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith carried 15 times for 49 yards and a touchdown in Week 16 against the San Diego Chargers, and he added two receptions for 12 yards and a score. It was Smith's second multi-TD game in six contests this season.
| Footballguys view: Smith did give way to Maurice Morris at times, but he was a strong presence at the goal line and helped fantasy owners who stuck their necks out for him in their championship. Despite trouble staying healthy, he has proven he deserves to stick around in Detroit. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith expected to play Fri Dec 23, 05:25 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 23. He is listed as probable for Week 16 and is expected to play.
| Footballguys view: Smith is as healthy as he has been in about month. He is a strong PPR RB2 play this week and he could help a lot of teams win championships. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith practices Thu Dec 22, 04:31 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 22.
| Footballguys view: Fantasy owners should be able to trust Smith as a RB2 this week against the Chargers. He seems to have gotten over his ankle injury and could get a heavy workload on Saturday. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith practices Wed Dec 21, 05:26 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 21.
| Footballguys view: Smith seems to be getting healthier and is deserving of at least a flex start this week. The game with the Chargers should be wide open and high scoring and Smith was the clear lead back for the Lions last week. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith totals 46 yards from scrimmage Sun Dec 18, 09:04 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) carried 15 times for 43 yards in Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders, and he added a 3-yard reception.
| Footballguys view: Smith never got free out in space or to the second level to have a very disappointing game for the owners that were bold enough to start him. The matchup and Smith's easy production in previous games never came together. He's probably back to what the heck flex status next week. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith expected to start Sun Dec 18, 01:46 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) is expected to start in Week 15.
| Footballguys view: Smith is the ideal play for an underdog team down big going into the late games. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith expected to play Fri Dec 16, 06:11 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16. He is listed as questionable for Week 15 and is expected to play.
| Footballguys view: Smith is the ultimate boom/bust RB play this week - he could be perfect or he could be foolish depending on how you are situated compared to your opponent this week. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith expected to play Fri Dec 16, 01:43 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced for the third straight day Friday, Dec. 16, and is expected to play in Week 15.
| Footballguys view: We all know the book on Smith for this year, top 10 RB numbers if he can finish the game, but it's likely he won't. A good play if you need big upside, but don't risk the early exit if you have another top 20 RB option. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith limited Thu Dec 15, 07:23 PM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 15.
| Footballguys view: Smith looks on track to start and be a risk/reward RB2 play this week. |
Kevin Smith player page
Lions | Kevin Smith practicing Thu Dec 15, 01:55 PM
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) worked with a first-team offense and participated in individual drills during the media-access portion of practice Thursday, Dec. 15.
Link to storyKevin Smith player page