Three reasons the Lions' running game suffered last season: Injuries, injuries, injuries.

Enough of that. What are the odds all three will be injured again this season? Here are three reasons the running game should be better.

1. Jahvid Best gained weight and strength in the offseason, coming off a concussion. He’s rarin’ to go after playing in just six games last season.

2. Mikel Leshoure is one talented, solid running back who has amazed his teammates. It’s just that fans haven’t had a chance to see him run since he tore an Achilles’ early in training camp last year. During his first team drills of the offseason at minicamp he got cheered by his teammates and seemed to create a buzz when he got his mitts on the ball. Of course he’ll be suspended for the first two games and will have to catch up after that. His suspension will open the door for ...

3. Motivated? That’s Kevin Smith. He was humbled a bit last year when the season started without him. He kept working out and finally got a call from the Lions in November. In his second game back he had 16 carries for 140 yards in the win over Carolina. He just couldn’t keep the ankle healthy.

(Until the start of training camp, the Lowdown lists will appear daily, Monday through Friday. Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Email her at Paula.Pasche@oakpress.com.)