Getty ImagesThe Lions got a bunch of defensive players back at practice on Friday, which could mean that the team is close to full strength when they face the Raiders in Week 15.
It seems like a sure thing that they will have running back Kevin Smith back in the lineup. He practiced for the third straight day, leaving both the team’s website and the Detroit News to predict that he will be the starting tailback. Given the Raiders’ performance against running backs in recent weeks, that would be a very good thing for the Lions offense.
The fact that Smith practiced all three days makes him much less of a risk than he was when he played against the Saints after hurting his ankle on Thanksgiving. Smith couldn’t get through the game after a week of limited practices, but he’s been much more active this week and should be a better bet to make it through the contest.
On the other side of the ball, the team got safety Louis Delmas, linebacker Justin Durant and cornerback Eric Wright back at practice for the first time all week. All three are listed as questionable, although it sounds like Delmas is a good bit further away from playing than either Durant or Wright. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley is also questionable for the Raiders game, but he did not practice on Friday.
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one month ago he was sitting on the couch and today we’re dying to have him on the field as the primary ball carrier LOL!!!
LIONS 38
Raiders 18
He won’t finish the game. Be like his last game, where he gimps into it and has to leave in the first half.
Glad to have you back Ksmooth.
With so many injuries on our defense we are gonna have to put up some points.
Good to see the defense is regaining some of its strength back, i really do hope to see the lions pull through regardless of what the haters say!
Lions: 35
Raiders: 21
The Lions really need Kevin Smith, it’s good to have him back. In addition to providing some additional offensive punch, his presence will make defenses think about more than just triple covering Calvin Johnson.
We need Louis Delmas back asap as well. He’s a scrappy guy and adds a lot to that defensive backfield. That’s an area where we are playing much better than I expected, but unfortunately we’re not very deep back there.
I’m think Fairley is someone who will start showing his real potential next year.
25 fantasy points comin up for Jordy with Authority
Dude is TOUGH.
22.50 points
Kevin Smith has always been tough, and I was sorry to see him let go. It’s just been one one unfortunate injury after another. I was pleasantly surprised with his performance against Carolina. If he can cut on that ankle tomorrow, he will be dangerous. This is a player that I am rooting for, and I would like to see him with the Lions next year.