After missing much of the 2011 season with concussion-like symptoms, Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will be on hand for the team's offseason program when it begins Monday, the Detroit Free Press reported.
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The newspaper reported that Best still has not been officially cleared by the team's medical staff. Best has been allowed to work out since March, though the newspaper reported Saturday that he's been preparing to come back on his own since December.
Best began having problems after a Week 6 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, and did not play again in 2011, eventually going on the injured-reserve list.
The week before his final appearance of the season, Best rushed for a career-high 163 yards in a Week 5 victory over the Chicago Bears. The second-year back was on pace for a potential breakout year, running for 390 yards and two scores on 84 carries, and catching 27 passes for 287 yards. In his rookie season, Best rushed for 555 yards on 171 carries in 16 games.
The Lionsrecently signed veteran running back Kevin Smith to a one-year contract. Smith started four games last season, running for 356 yards and four touchdowns in seven appearances.
Second-year back Mikel Leshoure was charged with possession of marijuana recently, and could face a fine or suspension by the NFL. Maurice Morris, who rushed for 316 yards and a score while playing in all 16 games, is currently a free agent.
