Jahvid Best injury: Lions RB takes concussion test, hopes to return soon

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best has missed the last 14 regular season games due to concussion issues, but he could be close to finally gaining clearance to return to the field.

Best, who is currently on the physically unable to perform list, took his concussion test on Monday and expects to get the results back on Friday. If cleared, Best could return to the practice field for the first time since Week 6 of last season. Best said he's hopeful he will be cleared and thinks he can make a difference for the Lions.

The process, which included multiple hours of testing, is just the latest in a long road to recovery for Best. Despite not experiencing post-concussion symptoms this summer, Best was placed on the PUP list because he was still unable to gain clearance to return. There were rumors that Best was possibly considering retirement, but he maintained he was working to get back on the field.

Best has worked to stay in shape with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz saying Best is in the best shape he's been in since his rookie season. If he does gain medical clearance on Friday, Best is eligible to be activated off the PUP list next week and could possibly play against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

Mikel Leshoure has played a feature role for the Lions recently, but some expect Best to be used in a similar fashion to how the New Orleans Saints utilize Darren Sproles.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.