Lions OC Scott Linehan confirmed that newly signed Kevin Smith could see action at running back against the Bears this week. Smith has been running as the third-team tailback in practices. We remain skeptical that he'll have fantasy value in the next couple of weeks, but the coaching staff has been impressed with his condition and the depth chart isn't a daunting climb with Jahvid Best (concussion) out.

The Lions weren't planning to sign Kevin Smith after working out 25 players during the bye week, but did so because he looked too good to pass up. "Kevin looked so good," said coach Jim Schwartz. "Ran well, moved well; (he) was in great shape. (He's) been a productive player for us when he's been on the field and I think one of the silver linings in this was (the time off) gave his body time to heal." Smith took the third-team reps in Tuesday's practice, as expected. Schwartz's comments suggest he could move up the depth chart if Jahvid Best (concussion) misses several more weeks.

The Detroit Free Press confirms Kevin Smith "will play behind Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams." Smith was not brought in to save this backfield. The Lions didn't tender him as a restricted free agent this summer and then let him sit on the street for the first half of the season despite injuries to Mikel Leshoure, Jahvid Best and Jerome Harrison. It's clear the Lions aren't expecting much out of their 2008 third-round pick.

The Lions will re-sign free agent RB Kevin Smith, a source tells ProFootballTalk.

Lions worked out free agents RB Kevin Smith and OG Leonard Davis. It's the first update we've had on Smith since a late August workout for the Patriots, who were the only team known to have had him in for a visit since the end of the lockout. Perhaps the Lions will bring him back if Jahvid Best (concussion) isn't ready to return in Week 10.

Beat writer Tom Kowalski confirms that free agent RB Kevin Smith won't be back with the Lions. It's an example of how quickly running backs can fall off the radar. Just two years ago, Smith was considered an up-and-coming stud at the running back position. Now that he's coming off shoulder and thumb surgery in addition to his previous ACL tear, we haven't heard a peep about any teams showing interest.

Cleveland Plain-Dealer columnist Terry Pluto reports the Browns will look to sign a free agent running back once the transactions freeze is lifted. The Browns apparently want more insurance for Peyton Hillis than just Montario Hardesty, who missed all of 2010 with a torn ACL. They are very unlikely to pursue a big-name free agent like DeAngelo Williams just one year after Hillis' breakout, but a cheap, pass-catching back like Kevin Smith could make sense.