Kevin Smith's once-promising run with the Detroit Lions appears to have ended. The Lions declined to offer a contract tender to Smith on Thursday, meaning the running back is in line to become an unrestricted free agent, the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday. Kevin Smith fought injuries the past two seasons with the Lions, missing 13 games with knee and thumb problems. A torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee ended his 2009 season in Week 9. He struggled to regain his elusive form last season, playing in just six games as the backup behind 2010 first-round pick Jahvid Best before landing on injured reserve with torn ligaments in his thumb. Smith said he's "healthy as I've ever been now," and he has been working out regularly in preparation for an NFL future -- even if it won't be at Ford Field. "I've been hurt the last two years, so to me, it was more of a business decision," Smith told the Free Press about his release. "In this business, you can never be surprised. It's strictly business, and they did what they had to, and I'll do what I have to do." Source: NFL.com
