The Detroit Lions will be without the services of their starting running back once again this weekend when they face the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field. Jahvid Best was ruled out due to concussion systems officially following the release of Friday's injury report.
Best was expected to be out -- despite marked improvement being reported from head coach Jim Schwartz -- as he continues to recover from a pair of concussions sustained earlier in the season. He hasn't been able to play since the Lions played the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 16.
The only other player ruled out for the weekend was punter Ryan Donahue. Donahue injured his right quad last week while filling in for Jason Hanson during practice and was expected to be out again this week. In his place, the Lions have brought in Ben Graham.
Defensive ends Lawrence Jackson and Willie Young are both questionable with injuries to their thigh and ankle, respectively, while Amari Spievey and Matthew Stafford are probable and expected to be able to start.