Kevin Smith continues to deal with a sprained ankle, but there's apparently some hope that he could play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football. The Detroit Lions injury report listed the running back as out on Wednesday, but there's reason to be optimistic about his future.
In fact, Smith told the media that he was able to do some work on the injured ankle after practice had formally completed.
"I feel pretty good for a Wednesday," Smith said. "After you guys (media) left, I got to do some stuff. I feel pretty good for a Wednesday. At this pace, I'm excited. I'm just rehabbing the heck out of it and just keep progressing. Still got a long way till game day."
Defensive end Lawrence Jackson sat out Wednesday's practice with a thigh injury, defensive backs Chris Houston and Louis Delmas both missed because of knee injuries and linebacker Doug Hogue had an illness that kept him from practicing, rounding out the Lions players unable to participate on Wednesday.
Willie Young and Brandon McDonald were both limited in the second practice of the week -- first with a mandatory injury report -- while Calvin Johnson, Chris Harris and Maurice Stovall all appeared despite going through their usual repetitions. Johnson was listed due to an ankle injury.