Kevin Smith Optimistic (1 Viewer)

[KyleBasa]

From RTSports

"Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) is optimistic about his chances of playing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. 'I feel pretty good for a Wednesday,' Smith said. 'After you guys (media) left, I got to do some stuff. I feel pretty good for a Wednesday. At this pace, I'm excited. I'm just rehabbing the heck out of it and just keep progressing. Still got a long way till game day.' RB Maurice Morris will be the lead back if Smith can't play."

 

[Sir Chadwick]

Mixed feelings about this. While I could surely use him this week, I'd much rather have him healthy for my playoff run in weeks 15-16.

Rushing back could be a big mistake if he reinjures himself... he doesn't seem to have the best durability, but he loves to run hard. Just hope they make the right choice.

 

[Sweet Love]

Via Rotoworld on 11/30

Kevin Smith (ankle) did not participate in Lions practice Wednesday.

Smith was able to participate in group stretching today, but was otherwise limited to working on the side with team trainers. It remains unclear how serious his ankle injury really is, but there's so far been nothing to suggest he'll be active against the Saints. His status will be updated on Thursday.

Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter

Nov 30 - 4:13 PM

It is interesting because in the news clip from the OP, he specifically mentions he did work after the press left. Maybe he waited to do drills so that if he could not go on Sunday, they could keep it under wraps for as long as possible. Curious to see what he does in practice this week.

 

[David Yudkin]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

Agreed. This is similar to the chatter coming from A. Bradshaw lately. It is encouraging news to hear going forward. But regardless if he suits up, there's no way you can trust starting K. Smith this week.

 

[rizzler]

Overcommitted to proving himself on the field, to show he's still "got it"

Likely won't play. Coaches know player talk accounts for near nothing.

 

[MarcO]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

in general I agree with you about not putting too much stock into what a player says and also about Smith being a risky play even if he does go, however there has been some conflicting info whether it was a high ankle sprain or the typical ankle sprain. If he is cleared to play and runs hard out of the gate as he has in the last couple of games - not sure why they would limit his workload. Lot's of dinged up guys rest on Wednesday's - if he sits again today there is no way he sees my lineup - regardless of any news coming out later in the week that he may play.ETA from Rotoworld:

Kevin Smith (ankle) was participating in Lions practice Thursday.Smith will likely end up as a "limited" participant, but he's trending in the right direction. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, Smith ran a cone and bag drill Thursday "without issue" and it "looks like he'll be a go barring a tweak." At this point, it's obvious Smith's Thanksgiving ankle sprain was of the mild variety.

 

[munygon2]

Sounds like he might play if he's practicing.

 

[The Football Freak]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

in general I agree with you about not putting too much stock into what a player says and also about Smith being a risky play even if he does go, however there has been some conflicting info whether it was a high ankle sprain or the typical ankle sprain. If he is cleared to play and runs hard out of the gate as he has in the last couple of games - not sure why they would limit his workload. Lot's of dinged up guys rest on Wednesday's - if he sits again today there is no way he sees my lineup - regardless of any news coming out later in the week that he may play.ETA from Rotoworld:

Kevin Smith (ankle) was participating in Lions practice Thursday.Smith will likely end up as a "limited" participant, but he's trending in the right direction. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, Smith ran a cone and bag drill Thursday "without issue" and it "looks like he'll be a go barring a tweak." At this point, it's obvious Smith's Thanksgiving ankle sprain was of the mild variety.

I was just coming in to post some similar info. I'll put it up anyway because there is a little more information they didn't use in that write up that was included in the source tweet. The fact that he was taking 1st reps is what I keyed in on since I don't think they would waste starter reps on someone who didn't have a good chance to play."Let's try again: Kevin Smith not 100%, but looked good in position drills. Cut well running through cones & bags, worked 1st in RB rotation"

 

[steelwind]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

in general I agree with you about not putting too much stock into what a player says and also about Smith being a risky play even if he does go, however there has been some conflicting info whether it was a high ankle sprain or the typical ankle sprain. If he is cleared to play and runs hard out of the gate as he has in the last couple of games - not sure why they would limit his workload. Lot's of dinged up guys rest on Wednesday's - if he sits again today there is no way he sees my lineup - regardless of any news coming out later in the week that he may play.ETA from Rotoworld:

Kevin Smith (ankle) was participating in Lions practice Thursday.Smith will likely end up as a "limited" participant, but he's trending in the right direction. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, Smith ran a cone and bag drill Thursday "without issue" and it "looks like he'll be a go barring a tweak." At this point, it's obvious Smith's Thanksgiving ankle sprain was of the mild variety.

I was just coming in to post some similar info. I'll put it up anyway because there is a little more information they didn't use in that write up that was included in the source tweet. The fact that he was taking 1st reps is what I keyed in on since I don't think they would waste starter reps on someone who didn't have a good chance to play."Let's try again: Kevin Smith not 100%, but looked good in position drills. Cut well running through cones & bags, worked 1st in RB rotation"

What does "worked 1st in RB rotation" mean? Cause I thought position drills were more of individual sets.

 

[The Football Freak]

I generally care less about what a guy says about playing. Guys that practice are the ones that end up playing. Even if Smith suited up, I doubt he would get a heavy workload.

in general I agree with you about not putting too much stock into what a player says and also about Smith being a risky play even if he does go, however there has been some conflicting info whether it was a high ankle sprain or the typical ankle sprain. If he is cleared to play and runs hard out of the gate as he has in the last couple of games - not sure why they would limit his workload. Lot's of dinged up guys rest on Wednesday's - if he sits again today there is no way he sees my lineup - regardless of any news coming out later in the week that he may play.ETA from Rotoworld:

Kevin Smith (ankle) was participating in Lions practice Thursday.Smith will likely end up as a "limited" participant, but he's trending in the right direction. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, Smith ran a cone and bag drill Thursday "without issue" and it "looks like he'll be a go barring a tweak." At this point, it's obvious Smith's Thanksgiving ankle sprain was of the mild variety.

I was just coming in to post some similar info. I'll put it up anyway because there is a little more information they didn't use in that write up that was included in the source tweet. The fact that he was taking 1st reps is what I keyed in on since I don't think they would waste starter reps on someone who didn't have a good chance to play."Let's try again: Kevin Smith not 100%, but looked good in position drills. Cut well running through cones & bags, worked 1st in RB rotation"

What does "worked 1st in RB rotation" mean? Cause I thought position drills were more of individual sets.

That's a good question. I had assumed he meant first team reps.

 

[identikit]

per Dave Birkett, Lions beat reporter:

Kevin Smith didn't do much of anything at practice today. Keiland Williams getting some 1 reps in portion open to media

 

[SlevinKelevra]

per Dave Birkett, Lions beat reporter:Kevin Smith didn't do much of anything at practice today. Keiland Williams getting some 1 reps in portion open to media

Can this beat-reporter be trusted ?I mean.....last night, according to multiple sources, McCoy was "limping & a in lot of pain" just 10 minutes before the gameThen he went 130yds + 2td

 

[steelwind]

per Dave Birkett, Lions beat reporter:Kevin Smith didn't do much of anything at practice today. Keiland Williams getting some 1 reps in portion open to media

I'm not trying to be an optimist or anything. But how can Dave Birkett claim he didn't do much of anything at practice when only the media portion of practice was shown? And practice isn't over.The official practice report and participation is what we should all wait for.

 

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

Kevin Smith took a limited amount of work in practice today because of his sprained right ankle, but the Detroit Lions running back said he still plans to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

“I’m on track,” Smith said. And when asked whether he was going to play, he said, “Yeah.”

Smith sprained his ankle in the first quarter of the Lions’ Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Smith didn’t suffer any setbacks Thursday -- “Kevin’s making improvements every day,” he said -- and Smith credited his return to quick healing powers.

“I’m definitely one of the toughest people in the world,” he said.

http://www.freep.com/article/20111202/SPORTS01/111202035/kevin-smith-lions-ankle-injury

 

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

According to MLive.com, the Lions limited Kevin Smith's (questionable, ankle) practice reps on Friday "as a precaution."

Smith says he has no trouble cutting on what was initially reported to be a high ankle sprain. "Yesterday was the day I did a pretty good workload," he added. "I had a lot of reps yesterday. It wasn't sore. It was sore, but not how you would expect after working out. It's progressing well. The medical staff is doing a really good job with the rehab and treatment. I'm pretty excited." Smith still sounds like a game-time decision for Sunday Night Football. He'll be worth waiting for only if you own Maurice Morris, as well. Dec. 2 - 3:04 pm et

 

[Khy]

According to MLive.com, the Lions limited Kevin Smith's (questionable, ankle) practice reps on Friday "as a precaution."Smith says he has no trouble cutting on what was initially reported to be a high ankle sprain. "Yesterday was the day I did a pretty good workload," he added. "I had a lot of reps yesterday. It wasn't sore. It was sore, but not how you would expect after working out. It's progressing well. The medical staff is doing a really good job with the rehab and treatment. I'm pretty excited." Smith still sounds like a game-time decision for Sunday Night Football. He'll be worth waiting for only if you own Maurice Morris, as well. Dec. 2 - 3:04 pm et

Yeah... I really hate the sound of that. Hoping some more definite news comes out prior to 1pm kickoff's Sunday as I really want to play Smith but if he doesn't end up going I'm then down a player for the week.

 

[steelwind]

Rotoworld...

"Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press expects Kevin Smith (questionable, ankle) to play against the Saints, "barring a setback."

Smith's light participation in Friday's practice clearly wasn't a huge concern. The Lions' plan all along was to work him hard in Thursday's practice and let him take it easy leading into the game. Saints-Lions projects as a high-scoring shootout, and Smith should be difficult to bench in PPR leagues because he's easily Detroit's top check-down option. Assuming he makes it through the game okay, Smith will be a candidate for 20-25 touches"

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Guys, according to local Radio, his limited action today in practice was part of the plan ,and accoring to other local sources, thursday was a good day of work for him

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

per Dave Birkett, Lions beat reporter:Kevin Smith didn't do much of anything at practice today. Keiland Williams getting some 1 reps in portion open to media

Can this beat-reporter be trusted ?I mean.....last night, according to multiple sources, McCoy was "limping & a in lot of pain" just 10 minutes before the gameThen he went 130yds + 2td

limping and in a lot of pain doesn't mean that one won't play well. apples and oranges.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Kevin Smith practices, Lions short two starters in secondary

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on December 2, 2011, 12:27 PM EST

AP

The good news for the Lions is that running back Kevin Smith returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis.The bad news is that he was limited in practice Thursday and didn’t do a lot during team drillsat Friday’s session, according to Mlive.com. And Smith’s injury is only the tip of the iceberg for Detroit.

Lions safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Chris Houston both missed practice Friday for a third straight day. So Detroit will be without Ndamukong Suh and their two best players in the secondary. We’d argue the secondary injuries are a bigger issue than Suh’s suspension.

That’s a recipe for disaster heading to New Orleans.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

ALLEN PARK - Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith said he expects to play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.



Smith, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, was limited in the first 30 minutes of practice media members were allowed to watch on Friday. The team held Smith back as a precaution heading into this weekend's game.



When asked about his progress, Smith said his performance in Thursday's practice was more important than Friday.



"Yesterday was the day I did a pretty good workload," Smith said. "I had a lot of reps yesterday. It wasn't sore. It was sore, but not how you would expect after working out. It's progressing well. The medical staff is doing a really good job with the rehab and treatment. I'm pretty excited."



Smith said he does not have any problems making cuts, which was a problem for him initially.



While the Lions coaching staff might wait to see how Smith performs during Sunday's warm-ups, the running back is optimistic he will play.



"We'll see," Smith said. "My mind is focused. I got my travel bag."

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

The Detroit Lions released their final injury report on Friday and have listed running back Kevin Smith as questionable. Smith sprained his ankle in the Lions Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers and the initial concern was that it was a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains usually result in absences of anywhere from two to six weeks, but Smith managed to get back on the practice field this week. He sat out Wednesday's practice but was back and limited on Thursday and Friday.

Smith believes that he will play on Sunday and it sounds like Friday's limited participation wasmore a precaution than anything else. Smith said his ankle was sore after Thursday's practice but only in the traditional post-practice sore sort of way. If that's the case, it sounds like the ankle injury was less a high ankle sprain and more just a severe regular sprain. If that's the case, it is not surprising he is getting back out there.

Nonetheless, Smith will likely be a game-time decision Sunday evening. The Lions will face the Saints in a Sunday Night Football contest in New Orleans. Given the late nature of the game, you hopefully have Maurice Morris or at least another late-game option in case Smith is an unexpected scratch. We'll be back over the weekend if any additional updates come out before game-time.

For more on the Lions, check out Pride Of Detroit. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

The Detroit Lions released their final injury report on Friday and have listed running back Kevin Smith as questionable. Smith sprained his ankle in the Lions Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers and the initial concern was that it was a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains usually result in absences of anywhere from two to six weeks, but Smith managed to get back on the practice field this week. He sat out Wednesday's practice but was back and limited on Thursday and Friday.

Smith believes that he will play on Sunday and it sounds like Friday's limited participation wasmore a precaution than anything else. Smith said his ankle was sore after Thursday's practice but only in the traditional post-practice sore sort of way. If that's the case, it sounds like the ankle injury was less a high ankle sprain and more just a severe regular sprain. If that's the case, it is not surprising he is getting back out there.

Nonetheless, Smith will likely be a game-time decision Sunday evening. The Lions will face the Saints in a Sunday Night Football contest in New Orleans. Given the late nature of the game, you hopefully have Maurice Morris or at least another late-game option in case Smith is an unexpected scratch. We'll be back over the weekend if any additional updates come out before game-time.

For more on the Lions, check out Pride Of Detroit. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

I am enjoying the font parade though this one is a bit much. Let's designate this pt. size as "past the threshold of good taste" shall we?

 

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

I am so lucky this week. My 4 running backs all play Sunday and Monday night. MJD, Sproles, Mathews, and Kevin Smith. MJD is locked in... and I am going to start Smith if he plays. If he doesn't... going to be a hard choice between Sproles and Mathews.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

The Detroit Lions released their final injury report on Friday and have listed running back Kevin Smith as questionable. Smith sprained his ankle in the Lions Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers and the initial concern was that it was a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains usually result in absences of anywhere from two to six weeks, but Smith managed to get back on the practice field this week. He sat out Wednesday's practice but was back and limited on Thursday and Friday.

Smith believes that he will play on Sunday and it sounds like Friday's limited participation wasmore a precaution than anything else. Smith said his ankle was sore after Thursday's practice but only in the traditional post-practice sore sort of way. If that's the case, it sounds like the ankle injury was less a high ankle sprain and more just a severe regular sprain. If that's the case, it is not surprising he is getting back out there.

Nonetheless, Smith will likely be a game-time decision Sunday evening. The Lions will face the Saints in a Sunday Night Football contest in New Orleans. Given the late nature of the game, you hopefully have Maurice Morris or at least another late-game option in case Smith is an unexpected scratch. We'll be back over the weekend if any additional updates come out before game-time.

For more on the Lions, check out Pride Of Detroit. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

I am enjoying the font parade though this one is a bit much. Let's designate this pt. size as "past the threshold of good taste" shall we?

I just copy and paste. Why do a handful of you seem to think I care how you prefer to read the news I find and then repost for you? Just be happy it's here.PS. The dolphins have left the Jacuzzi.

 

[nysportsfan]

The Detroit Lions released their final injury report on Friday and have listed running back Kevin Smith as questionable. Smith sprained his ankle in the Lions Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers and the initial concern was that it was a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains usually result in absences of anywhere from two to six weeks, but Smith managed to get back on the practice field this week. He sat out Wednesday's practice but was back and limited on Thursday and Friday.

Smith believes that he will play on Sunday and it sounds like Friday's limited participation wasmore a precaution than anything else. Smith said his ankle was sore after Thursday's practice but only in the traditional post-practice sore sort of way. If that's the case, it sounds like the ankle injury was less a high ankle sprain and more just a severe regular sprain. If that's the case, it is not surprising he is getting back out there.

Nonetheless, Smith will likely be a game-time decision Sunday evening. The Lions will face the Saints in a Sunday Night Football contest in New Orleans. Given the late nature of the game, you hopefully have Maurice Morris or at least another late-game option in case Smith is an unexpected scratch. We'll be back over the weekend if any additional updates come out before game-time.

For more on the Lions, check out Pride Of Detroit. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

I am enjoying the font parade though this one is a bit much. Let's designate this pt. size as "past the threshold of good taste" shall we?

 

[SlevinKelevra]

limping and in a lot of pain doesn't mean that one won't play well.

Right

 

[ldizzle]

limping and in a lot of pain doesn't mean that one won't play well.

Right

tell that to lesean mccoy...

 

[phillybirds]

 

[jwp]

Bump....anyone heard anything new?

 

[Swinagen]

NFL Soup is reporting (via Detroit Free Press) that he'll play tomorrow.

Sauce

 

[hutchins929]

Bump....anyone heard anything new?

Was listening to local radio yesterday and they were reporting that he's gonna play unless something changes for the worse.

 

[djmich]

If he gets 15 touches and emerges unscathed I'll be shocked, and ####### ecstatic.

 

[kegger]

I think we believe he plays..

But do we with our Fantasy leagues play him?

I mean I have him an need the points badly this week

or I'm out, I could play Donald Brown, Toby Gerhart or

Mark Ingram in his place, I'd love to trust Smith though.

.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

limping and in a lot of pain doesn't mean that one won't play well.

Right

tell that to lesean mccoy...

I learned this the hard way when I benched Big Ben after watching him heavily limping and wincing walking through the interior hallways heading out to the field. He then went on to toss 5 TDs while his replacement Kevin Kolb put up a horrible stinker vs the Vikings. Cost me a win thatI could really use as I am now in a fight for a WC spot. That's what balls and painkillers are for.

 

[shnikies]

I think we believe he plays..But do we with our Fantasy leagues play him?I mean I have him an need the points badly this week or I'm out, I could play Donald Brown, Toby Gerhart orMark Ingram in his place, I'd love to trust Smith though..

I think he plays and since you have Ingram as a backup option, I'd go with Smith.

 

[jwp]

I think we believe he plays..But do we with our Fantasy leagues play him?I mean I have him an need the points badly this week or I'm out, I could play Donald Brown, Toby Gerhart orMark Ingram in his place, I'd love to trust Smith though.

Man I was loving what I was seeing out of him on Thanksgiving (especially catching those short passes...ppr) Then poof...on a play where I didn't look like anybody touched him the next thing you know he's being shown on a cart. I guess sometimes in FF you just have to go with whatever your gut says.

 

[kegger]

That's kinda my point, do we trust the guy is healthy enough

to make it through the whole game, And be effective this week?

My gut says it's pretty dicey/risky, taking a very very big chance..

(on the last week of the regular season needing a BIG victory)

.

 

[Shrugs]

I need to go big this week against the highest scoring team in the league to make the playoffs. So I think I have roll the dice with Smith over DeAngelo Williams and Julio Jones in PPR.

 

[munchkin]

I need to go big this week against the highest scoring team in the league to make the playoffs. So I think I have roll the dice with Smith over DeAngelo Williams and Julio Jones in PPR.

Williams has a pretty nice matchup. Smith could just be a part timer. D W has the juice to score. Sometimes a safe play gets you enough points. He may be high scorer but his players could falter too.

 

[steelerfan1]

I need to go big this week against the highest scoring team in the league to make the playoffs. So I think I have roll the dice with Smith over DeAngelo Williams and Julio Jones in PPR.

Williams has a pretty nice matchup. Smith could just be a part timer. D W has the juice to score. Sometimes a safe play gets you enough points. He may be high scorer but his players could falter too.

i am going to roll the dice with smith, but i have tolbert (not that that's great or anything)on monday if something were to go wrong with him.deangelo could be a gamble as well if they decide it is stewarts week.

 

[Shrugs]

If it were not PPR, I would definitely play DeAngelo because of his good matchup. But he doesn't get any catches. In this league, Deangelo has only hit 20 points once this season with 22 against NO. While Smith had 47 points two weeks ago. If I hadn't already started the Eagles D over Seattle for 2 points rather than 21, I'd probably go safe.

 

[atcdav]

McCoy was gimpy pregame thursday. If Kevin plays he will be the guy to start.

 

[sycamore]

Smith is "the toughest guy in the world" so he'll be good to go.

 

[Dylude]

Is there any incentive or rationale for Kevin Smith playing but not starting or being the featured back? My feeling is that if he can play, they have to go to him because MoMorris and Keiland have never shown them the 4 years + 1 huge game of ability that Smith has shown.

Deangelo or J Stew don't have that guarantee of bein involved in the game.

All of this changes with an injury so I'll grant that there may be a 10-20% greater risk of injury max, but I think the floor of participation in the game is at least 20% higher with Smith.

So depending on how you look at it, Smith can be your safest floor play, even if he is a greater risk for a first quarter injury because his floor outweighs that risk vs. Deangelo and J Stew who you can't guarantee me that you would be shocked if one back had 110 yards and the other had 35 yards. I'd be shocked if barring injury Kevin Smith is not the leading rusher for the Lions. That fact outweighs the greater injury risk and I think the same applies for Ingram.

I'm starting Smith over J Stew, Hillis, and Barber and I have Nate Burleson to throw in in case of a crazy late scratch, Hillis is the 3pm game so if news breaks earlier I'm comfortable with flexin the Hillis muscle

 

[Ned]

limping and in a lot of pain doesn't mean that one won't play well.

Right

tell that to lesean mccoy...

I learned this the hard way when I benched Big Ben after watching him heavily limping and wincing walking through the interior hallways heading out to the field. He then went on to toss 5 TDs while his replacement Kevin Kolb put up a horrible stinker vs the Vikings. Cost me a win thatI could really use as I am now in a fight for a WC spot. That's what balls and painkillers are for.

This isn't a good comparison if you're trying to convince yourself in starting Smith today. Smith has shown the tendencies to get hurt a lot easier than Ben, who's shown repeatedly that he can play through injuries. Smith is a huge gamble. I won't be surprised if they take their foot off the pedal with smith and rotate all three guys today.

 

[nysportsfan]

So close to another huge night. At least he came through.

 

[flapgreen]

Poor guy

 

[LargeMouthBass]

Is he made of sand?