ALLEN PARK -- Kevin Smith is well on his way back from ACL surgery, but there’s a chance the Lions running back will not start the season with his teammates on Sunday in Chicago.

Coach Jim Schwartz does not say much about injured players, but today (Wednesday) he did say this about Smith: “Kevin has had a great rehab, his knee is strong, and hasn’t had a whole lot of problems, any unexpected problems as far as being sore. He just needs to be I won’t say full-speed, he needs to be back and when he is we’ll have him right back in there.’’

That leaves open the possibility that Smith could be inactive against the Bears.

Smith has worked like a horse in his rehab from ACL surgery all during the offseason. He was on the field for minicamp in late June although not at full capacity. He also participated in training camp regularly. The plan was that he would work only one session during two-a-days and take an occasional day off. He pretty much stuck to that routine. But it is a tough injury to come back from especially for a running back.

If Smith doesn’t go, you will see more of Maurice Morris, Aaron Brown and maybe Jerome Felton.

Rookie Jahvid Best has earned the starting role.

(Follow me on Twitter @paulapasche.)