Lions to become latest team to use two-back system?

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith has been struggling with injuries, is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't scored since week four. All of that might mean a timeshare in Detroit's backfield. Smith left Sunday's game against St. Louis with a shoulder injury. Head coach Jim Schwartz said after the game that Smith probably could have returned, but the Lions decided to stick with Maurice Morris because he was running well. Morris, who had carried the ball just twice in the past three games, ran for 63 yards on 14 carries.

Fantasy Analysis:
Morris was hampered by a hip injury a couple of weeks ago, but he looks to be fully healed. You can't really say the same thing about Smith. While Schwartz said he could have returned, he clearly looks limited and is battling foot and shoulder ailments. Morris is only two years removed from his most productive season, when he had 140 carries for 628 yards -- a 4.5-yard average. But he has definitely lost a step. In the only other game this season in which he received more than two carries -- week three versus Washington -- Morris gained just 10 yards on eight carries. Still, if you are a Smith owner or desperate for a running back, Morris might make for a good pickup, especially if he gets about 10-15 touches per game for the foreseeable future.

Players Involved:
RB Morris, Maurice, DET
RB Smith, Kevin, DET

Team Involved:
DET  

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