ALLEN PARK — Jahvid Best, who is coming off a concussion, has not been cleared for contact yet.

That seems odd to me.

Coach Jim Schwartz said this morning that the decision involved a battery of tests, not just a single maneuver. With training camp starting on Friday, it seems they would have gotten this all sorted out.

Best was cleared to participate in Organized Team Activities and minicamp, but both of those were non-contact.

Schwartz would not rule out the possibility that he will be ready to go on Friday and would not put any odds on it either.

One good thing about the Lions, is they are always cautious when it comes to returning players to the field following any kind of injury.

If Best doesn’t take the field on Friday, it’s not necessarily a setback but at the same time not a good sign either.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. To pre-order her upcoming book, click here: “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.”)

While OTAs and minicamps are necessary, roster spots are won at training camp. Here are three veterans who could be the biggest surprises at training camp.

1. Safety Erik Coleman only played in four games last season before an ankle injury ended his season prematurely. He’s entering his ninth NFL season, but Lions fans haven’t seen the real Coleman. Even though he signed in February 2011, there was no offseason team workouts due to the lockout. He looked good at minicamp and OTAs. A healthy Coleman would be a boost to the secondary.

2. Safety Amari Spievey is playing with more confidence due to growing comfort in role as safety. He was moved from corner to safety in his rookie season. It’s a huge switch and he’s just completed his first real offseason at safety. He’s had good camp. Expectations are high.

3. RB Jahvid Best has put foot and concussion problems behind him. He’s ran like a mad man in the offseason. Wait, a mad man might not follow the correct routes. Let’s say he was impressive. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that he performs well, it’s just been a while since we’ve seen it consistently.

Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. To pre-order her upcoming book, click here: “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.”

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.)

Five things learned about the Lions and the upcoming draft from general manager Martin Mayhew on Thursday:

1. Mayhew said that running back Jahvid Best (concussion) has been doing conditioning and working out with the other players this week. That doesn’t mean he’s been cleared to practice, but it’s a step.

2. With the 23rd draft pick, Mayhew said there are between four and seven guys they feel comfortable with and who would be “great fits.”

3. Mayhew’s draft strategy remains the same: “It’s the best player for us, the player that fits us the best that’s the guy we’re looking to take.’’

4. The Lions have just two quarterbacks signed. Drew Stanton signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. Mayhew said if it makes sense they could draft a quarterback in the later rounds, but it won’t happen in the first round. If they don’t draft one, they’ll pick up another quarterback as a free agent.

5. Mayhew said there hasn’t been much trade talk about their first-round pick at No. 23.

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Jahvid Best, remember him?

After missing the final 10 regular season games with a concussion, the Lions running back is fully expecting to be back next season.

“Right now I’m just focusing on getting back on the field. Right now that means staying in shape and getting ready for when the off-season program picks up,’’ Best said on Monday. “I’ll be ready to go with the rest of the guys.’’

The running game was certainly the weak link on the offense with the absence of Best. Also no one knows how good the run game could’ve been if rookie Mikel Leshoure had not torn his Achilles’ tendon in training camp.

Best said he hasn’t taken any concussion tests lately since his season ended when he was placed on injured reserve. He is staying in shape though.

He said he has no doubt he’ll be back next season. A healthy Best could make a difference.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)

After missing the last five games, Lions running back Jahvid Best has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Best sustained his concussion in the loss to the 49ers on Oct. 16. It was his second this season. His first concussion occurred during training camp.

While in his senior year of college at Cal, Best also sustained a concussion.

The Lions have struggled with the running game since he’s been out of action.

They re-signed Kevin Smith who had a solid effort in the win against the Panthers on Sunday. But early in the Thanksgiving game Smith injured his ankle and didn’t return. Afterward he said X-rays were negative. Reports are that he has a high ankle sprain. Recovery can vary with that specific injury.

The Lions next game is on Dec. 4 at New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday night football.

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ALLEN PARK — No sign of RB Jahvid Best at practice today (Wednesday). Best has missed three games with a concussion.

Also missing were Amari Spievey and Lawrence Jackson. Kyle Vanden Bosch, who typically rests on Wednesdays, was on the field watching but not participating.

Defensive end Willie Young appeared to injure his foot or ankle during the portion of practice open to the media.

The Lions (6-3), who have lost three of their last four, host the Carolina Panthers (2-7) on Sunday.

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ALLEN PARK — Lions’ running back Jahvid Best (concussion) did not practice today (Tuesday). Best has missed the last two games and his availability for this week became suspect when the Lions brought back running back Kevin Smith on Monday.

Smith, wearing No. 30, was practicing on Tuesday along with veteran guard Leonard Davis (No. 75) who was also signed to a one-year deal on Monday.

All others were present and accounted for during Tuesday’s extra practice following the bye week.

The Lions play at Chicago on Sunday at 4:15 p.m.

In a practice squad move, the Lions signed wide receiver Terrance Toliver and cut tackle Casey Bender.

(Paula Pasche covers the Lions. Follow her on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Read her Lions Lowdown blog at oplions.blogspot.com. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)

ALLEN PARK — Lions running back Jahvid Best, who on Sunday suffered his second concussion in three months, didn’t practice on Thursday.

There is talk he may be done for the season.

Mike Freeman of CBSsports.com has reported that people close to Best are telling him “that he needs to strongly consider sitting out the year.’’

Best has a concussion history going back to Cal where he missed the final four games of his senior season with a severe concussion.

His concussion history was a red flag when he was drafted by the Lions in the first round in 2010, but they said they had done their due dilligence through testing.

(Paula Pasche covers the Lions. Follow her on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Read her Lions Lowdown blog at oplions.blogspot.com. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. )

In the NFL preseason it’s tough to judge the running game and there was some hand-wringing from Lions’ fans. It didn’t look as pretty as the passing game which was stellar.

At Tampa on Sunday though, the running game passed the test when the Lions amassed 126 rushing yards in the 27-20 win over the Bucs.

Coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday that it was spotty the whole game and he wants to see less negative-yardage plays.

“Overall we did a lot of things we wanted to do with our run game — 126 yards rushing, it was lopsided when you compared that to Tampa’s run stats (56 rushing yards). I think we took advantage of our run opportunities,’’ Schwartz said.

“Their defense was definitely geared toward stopping the pass but we still had a good day passing the ball and I think Matt (Stafford) for the most part got us in plays to be able to run the ball,’’ the coach added.

It was different in the fourth quarter when the Lions had a 14-point lead and were trying to run the clock. Schwartz said Stafford couldn’t move much at that point due to leg cramps from the heat.

Jahvid Best had 21 carries for 72 yards, Jerome Harrison had eight for 27 yards — that’s 3.4 yards per carry for each.

“It was a good start for us, the biggest thing is just getting the win and we went out there and did that so that’s the biggest thing,’’ Best said.

Maurice Morris had two carries for four yards, but fumbled twice. He’s coming off a broken hand which was an issue.

No one denies there’s room for improvement, perhaps that will come on Sunday against the Chiefs at Ford Field.

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ALLEN PARK — After his first full week of practice, rookie WR Titus Young will see his first preseason action on Saturday when the Lions host the Patriots at Ford Field.

Young had been kept out of most of training camp with a hamstring injury. Sunday and Monday he had limited practice. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday he was a full-go.

“I don’t know if he’s over the hump yet but he’s close to it, was able to put a week of practice together and able to finish practices,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “... He’s at the point he can get through a whole practice and be able to play in the game.’’

Those ruled out for the game include Jahvid Best who missed two days of practice following a concussion received last Friday in the win at Cleveland. It’s a precautionary measure for Best who had concussion issues in college.

Also ruled out are Nick Fairley, Jason Fox, Alphonso Smith and Maurice Morris.

“I think just about everybody else has a chance,’’ Schwartz said.

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ALLEN PARK — Two key offensive players are iffy for Saturday night’s sold-out, nationally televised preseason game against the Patriots at Ford Field.

Running back Jahvid Best and wide receiver Titus Young both practiced on Wednesday, but Saturday is questionable.

Best suffered a concussion in Friday night’s win at Cleveland. He said it wasn’t bad and when he showed up on Sunday he expected to practice. But he was shut down until Wednesday. Afterwards he said he felt fine. Earlier in the week, coach Jim Schwartz said Best might not play Saturday just as a precaution. Best had concussion issues in college so they are taking it easy bringing him back.

Young, who missed most of the start of training camp with a hamstring injury, has practiced for four straight days. Tuesday and Wednesday he made it through the full practice after easing in on Sunday and Monday. He’s itching to play, but said he doesn’t know whether he will see his first preseason action on Saturday.

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Calvin Johnson, who both have sore shoulders, did not practice again on Wednesday. There is no reason to rush the veterans back out onto the field for Saturday’s game.

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ALLEN PARK — Several players were missing from Tuesday’s practice with injuries or soreness. However, the good news for the Lions was that rookie Titus Young, who had been out with a hamstring injury until Sunday, made it through his first full practice.

RB Jahvid Best did not practice but was medically cleared from his concussion and coach Jim Schwartz said he expects to see him on the practice field on Wednesday. He doesn’t expect Best to play on Saturday.

DE Kyle Vanden Bosch missed his third straight day of practice. This is a guy who would never miss three practices for “rest.” In fact, Schwartz admitted today that Vanden Bosch has had a sore shoulder since the game on Friday and had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday morning. Schwartz is unsure if Vanden Bosch will play on Saturday but looks unlikely.

Calvin Johnson also did not practice with a sore shoulder but it isn’t considered serious. He’s day to day.

Gosder Cherilus and Rashied Davis had the day off to rest.

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ALLEN PARK — Jeff Backus and Titus Young made their return to Lions practice on Sunday afternoon.

So far, so good.

It wasn’t such good news for running back Jahvid Best who left Friday’s game early. Coach Jim Schwartz confirmed it was a concussion but said they don’t believe it’s too serious but he’ll need medical clearance to get back to practice.

For Backus, the veteran left tackle, it was his first practice of training camp after reporting with a torn pectoral muscle. Backus, who has started 160 straight regular season games, said he’s not used to sitting out practice more than two days so it felt good to get back. He knows the offense and doesn’t need to learn technique, but Sunday was a good day to start shaking off the rust.

It’s a little different for Young because he’s a rookie and had no offseason team workouts. He’s been out at practice every day, and with the exception of two days more than a week ago when he did a few drills, he’s mostly just been watching.

He did individual drills and lined up with the starters in seven-on-sevens before he left the field. That was the plan. Coach Jim Schwartz said if all goes well he could go through a full practice on Monday.

It was extra special for Young whose parents had flown in from Los Angeles to help him celebrate his birthday which was Sunday.

It’s too early to know if these three will play on Saturday when the Lions play the New England Patriots at Ford Field. But it’s definitely a step in the right direction for Backus and Young.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700.)

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Five observations from Friday night’s 34-3 In the preseason win over Cincinnati:

1. Overall, a good performance for Detroit. Matthew Stafford and the passing offense get A's. The Bengals were held to a pair of field goal attempts and made just one. No preseason jitters apparent. In the scheme of things preseason wins are worthless, but the domination of Cincinnati is worth something. It’d be much worse to be on the losing end of a 34-3 preseason score.

2. The weak spot on offense is the running game. The Lions finished with 350 offense yards, just 70 of them rushing. Of course Jahvid Best had just four carries (12 yards), he looked fine but could not break a big one. Not unexpected with just four carries. He did have a pair of receptions for 17 yards. Jerome Harrison, who signed as a free agent on Tuesday and had just three practices, was the second choice finishing with half-dozen carries for 8 yards. Ian Johnson, who has had a good camp, got in late but had the most opportunities with nine carries (21 yards). This isn’t a shocker. The Lions lost Mikel Leshoure who would have been the second guy in. Also veteran Maurice Morris, who did a good job last season, is out with a broken hand. Also, while camp can be used to evaluate many positions, it’s tough to tell what you have at running back until the hitting is for real. It’s too early to panic.

3. You would never want to stand between Ndamukong Suh and a quarterback. This isn’t breaking news, we saw it all last season. On Friday, Suh got to starter Andy Dalton, and knocked his helmet off as he was driving him to the ground. He got called for roughing the passer and the NFL could fine him like they did twice last year. Jim Schwartz defended Suh by saying that he’s so strong that when he drives a quarterback to the ground it looks bad. Suh is a player that you love if he plays for your team and you hate if he doesn’t.

4. The defense against the run is one area that needs work. The Lions allowed Cedric Benson to run for 35 yards in five straight carries in the first quarter. The Bengals couldn’t make anything out of it, but Benson was able to get through with a long run of 16 yards on a first down. Cincinnati threw for 135 yards with Dalton, the starter, finishing with 69 yards. His first pass attempt was intercepted by Chris Houston. Welcome to the NFL.

5. The Lions could have a tough decision looming. Kicker Jason Hanson, entering his 20th season in Detroit, was spot-on, but so was Dave Rayner who is fighting for the roster spot. Hanson and the field goal unit managed to add three points to the score despite having just 13 seconds to get the 37-yard attempt off at the end of the first half. There were no hiccups on either’s part. Rayner kicked a 42-yard field goal in the fourth.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700)

Just took my temperature to make sure I’m not sick. What other reason could there be to explain this: I’m actually looking forward to Friday’s night preseason opener against Cincinnati at Ford Field.

Even with the absence of Mikel Leshoure, there’s more of a buzz at training camp in recent years. Martin Mayhew has quietly built a solid team and added depth along the way. The Lions aren’t there yet, but they are much closer.

I expect if Matthew Stafford stays healthy they will find themselves in the playoffs.

But first things first.

On Friday I’m looking forward to seeing RB Jahvid Best. It’s tough to judge running backs in camp, but what we’ve seen has been very good. Dominic Raiola called him “lightning in a bottle.”

Also the two new backs — Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell. Each seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder which, of course, is good news for the Lions.

If Stafford connects on a few long bombs to Calvin Johnson it will be good to see, but I’ve seen it every day in camp. Those two are definitely on the same page.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK — Running back Jahvid Best had a little trouble getting into the Lions facility Tuesday morning. He pulled his black Cadillac CTS up to the gate to enter the player parking lot, but had forgotten the code.

No problem. He just used the front door.

Best was one of several Lions to get to the Lions practice facility when players were allowed back after 10 a.m. Matthew Stafford was a few minutes early and the first to arrive. He was followed by Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jeff Backus and Ashlee Palmer.

Best said he wasn’t sure what to expect on Tuesday.

“I have no idea, that’s why I’m here right now, get a schedule and get mentally prepared and see what happens,’’ Best said.

Most of last season — his rookie year — he was hobbled by turf toe. Rest was the best medicine

“I’m 100 percent and ready to go,’’ said Best whose toes looked fine in his flip-flops.

“I feel the same, doing everything I’ve been doing, I’m ready for everything,’’ he added.

Best didn’t wait until the deal was done to get into town. The players voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement on Monday afternoon.

“I was here Monday, I just had a feeling,’’ Best said.

Stafford and Vanden Bosch will speak at a press conference which is set to start at 11:45 a.m. Come back here for full details.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

If you’ve always wanted to meet Lions running back Jahvid Best tonight is your chance. He just Tweeted that he’ll be making an appearance at Menard’s in Davison from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (Hey, it’s not THAT far away.)

Best was one of the 30 or so Lions who participated at the informal workouts last week. Rest during the offseason has been the best medicine for the turf toe that slowed him down most of last season.

“It had its days but basically every time I tried to cut or plant or explode I was feeling it in my feet, so it was hindering my abilities to be the player I am,’’ Best said explaining his situation last season, his rookie year.

He is excited about playing with Mikel Leshoure, the Lions’ second-round draft pick. “They felt like he was the right guy so I’m happy about it. As soon as he got drafted I got his number and I was telling him we’re going to need a nickname,’’ Best said.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

Since the Lions opened the season at Chicago, the teams have gone different ways. The Lions are 2-9, while the Bears have won four straight and are 8-3. Here are five things the Lions must do to have a chance of beating the Bears.

1. Run the ball. Jahvid Best practiced for three straight days this week which is an indication his turf toe is improving. That’s a good sign. If the Lions ever needed to run it’s this week.

2. The offensive line must protect Drew Stanton and give him plenty of time to get ride of the ball. It’s Stanton’s first start this season and just the second of his career. Naturally he needs a bit more time in the pocket. Also, if he goes down Zac Robinson goes in. Robinson can’t possibly know much about the offense since he joined the team on Nov. 9.

3. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson.

4. Rush Bears quarterback Jay Cutler early and often. The Lions will be without defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, but Lawrence Jackson has proven he’s a good pass rusher along with Cliff Avril.

5. Cornerback Alphonso Smith and the secondary must bounce back from the game in which Tom Brady gave thanks he was facing them.

Prediction: Chicago 35, Detroit 10 (Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK -- It’s a mostly healthy Lions team, if you don’t consider the top two quarterbacks and kicker are out of commission.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) has not practiced all week and didn’t again today (Friday). He is not expected to play on Sunday.

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus (knee) who sat out on Thursday was back in action today.

Running back Jahvid Best, who has been bothered by turf toe all season, has practiced for three straight days which is unusual. He usually doesn’t practice until Fridays while he’s trying to rest his toe.

Drew Stanton will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Bears at a sold-out Ford Field. Matthew Stafford (knee) and Shaun Hill (finger) are out.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)