Detroit Lions Sign Leonard Davis, Bring Back Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith is back in Detroit.

The running back who enjoyed a fine rookie campaign for the Lions in 2008-09 when he rushed for 976 yards and eight touchdowns was signed by Detroit on Nov. 7. With starting running back Jahvid Best recovering from his second concussion since August, not practicing against on Tuesday, and not expected to play this weekend, the thankful Smith may have more than simply a roster spot.

"We hadn’t really planned on signing anybody, but Kevin looked so good— ran well, moved well, was in great shape, and you know, has been a productive player for us when he’s been on the field," coach Jim Schwartz said. "I think one of the silver linings in this was it gave his body time to heal."

Neither the Lions, nor any other NFL team, offered Smith a contract earlier this year, after stints on injured reserve in both 2009 (knee) and 2010 (thumb).

"I've been away from the game for eight weeks," Smith said. "Not to know if you will be able to play in this league, and still be young, and still be 24 years old? Not to be able to do something you love, but it be at the hands of 32 teams in the NFL, it humbles you.

"Second chances, you don't want to mess that up."

Just 24, Smith might be just in time for a comeback, as the 6-2 Lions already have more wins this season than Smith does in his entire 35-game NFL career (he is 4-31).

To go with the recent signings of offensive lineman Leonard Davis and running back Kevin Smith, the Detroit Lions have made a change to their practice squad. The signings of the aforementioned Davis and Smith came after a reported 20+ player workout in which the Detroit Lions sought to fill any holes they might have and add depth as they prepared for a run at the playoffs.

They've reportedly added wide receiver Terrence Toliver to their practice squad:

Lions add WR Terrence Toliver, release OL Casey Bender from practice squad

Toliver went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft but was reportedly highly pursued by multiple teams. The Houston Texans would go on to sign him to their practice squad, but eventually waived him and reached an injury settlement with him. Presumably, he's healthy and ready to go now, and that's why Detroit has added him after seeing him work out with the other 24 players.

The Detroit Lions made a couple of roster moves on Monday morning when they decided to bring back running back Kevin Smith and sign offensive lineman Leonard Davis. To make room for those two players, however, the team announced that they have released Eldra Buckley and Anthony Madison.

Buckley, a journeyman running back the Lions signed once Jerome Harrison's health problems were discovered, appeared in two games without recording any statistics for Detroit. Prior to joining the Lions, Buckley spent a couple of seasons on the San Diego Chargers practice squad and then played two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before finding his way to the Lions for about a month this season.

Madison, a cornerback, was primarily on the Lions active roster for his work on special teams. Needing a lineman more than a special teamer, however, the team apparently decided that he was expendable. In four games this season, Madison recorded a single assisted tackle.

For more on the Lions, be sure to visit Pride of Detroit.

After news broke that the Detroit Lions would reportedly sign offensive guard Leonard Davis following a workout that included many players, there's word that another one of the players who worked out will be signed, as well. According to Pro Football Talk, running back Kevin Smith is set to re-join the Detroit Lions after not being brought back following the expiration of his contract last season.

Kevin Smith was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2008 draft and carried the ball well in his first two seasons, picking up 1,723 yards over the two-year span. When Jahvid Best arrived and after tearing his ACL, Smith carried the ball less and less and was eventually not given a new contract.

With Best still suffering from a concussion he got against the 49ers three weeks ago, the team needs someone other than Maurice Morris to carry the load. Smith was among many candidates to be signed, so the Lions probably liked what they saw in his workout as much as they felt good about his past in Detroit.

After working out during the bye week with the Lions, it appears Leonard Davis has found a new home. The 6-foot-6, 355-pound offensive guard has reportedly agreed to terms with the Lions and could provide immediate help on the offensive line for Matthew Stafford and company:

Davis, 33, is a 6-foot-6, 355-pound mauling blocker who has started 153 career games since entering the NFL in 2001.

Davis is a three-time Pro-Bowler and signed a lucrative $49.6 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. He was released this July prior to training camp and has floated around trying out for various NFL teams since then. Davis worked out with guys like running back Kevin Smith and wide receiver Antwaan Randle-El as the Lions kicked the tires on 24 total players.

SB Nation's Pride of Detroit had this to say earlier this week about Davis and the other players working out for the team:

This may seem a bit excessive, but Martin Mayhew is covering all of his bases in case there are any injuries during the second half of the season. Obviously, it's better to be prepared for the unexpected than to be caught off guard and left scrambling.