Kevin Smith wasn't even on an NFL roster for the first half of the NFL season, but the Detroit Lions running back didn't need too much time to re-establish himself in the league. The Detroit Lions running back earned the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week honors following his impressive performance over the weekend while filling in for Jahvid Best.
Smith was active in just his second game since re-signing with the Lions, but he certainly made the most of it as he led the Lions to a victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Smith carried the ball just 16 times on Sunday, but he made it count with 140 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. The veteran runner was also a factor in the passing game, hauling in four receptions for 61 yards and an additional touchdown to boot.
Smith is the first Lions running back to earn NFC Player of the Week honors since Hall-of-Fame running back Barry Sanders in Week 17 of the 1997 season, according to the Lions' website.