Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

Jahvid Best injury: Lions RB won’t be cleared to play this season

Based on the recommendation of team doctors, the Detroit Lions have decided to shut down running back Jahvid Best going forward due to his head injuries.

Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will not be permitted to return to the playing field indefinitely, as the team announced on Monday. Best has been monitored all year by the team after suffering a pair of concussions last season, but a firm timetable for his return has never been set.

As Lions general manager Martin Mayhew explained in a press release, the decision is being made with Best’s long-term health in mind:

After today’s consultation with medical experts, including representatives from our medical and training staffs, it has been determined that Jahvid will not be permitted to return to play at this time... Throughout this entire process we always have placed the highest priority on what is best for Jahvid from a health and safety standpoint.

While the Lions technically still have a three-week window to activate Best from the PUP list before he’ll be forced to go on injured reserve, it appears that Detroit plans to shut down Best for the rest of the season.

Not too long ago, there was optimism that Best would be able to return soon, but it appears that doctors are concerned about the lack of progress that he’s made in recovering from multiple serious head injuries. Given the efforts around the league to improve the handling of these kinds of injuries, the Lions are exercising serious caution here.

A first round pick out of California in 2010, Best will now have appeared in just 22 games during his first three NFL seasons.

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield