In the aftermath of rookie running back Mikel Leshoure's season-ending injury, the Lions were smart to give their coaching staff a choice of a couple solid veteran replacements - Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell.
Harrison is a smaller back, but he has the bigger upside. He had a pretty year for the Browns in 2009, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He had several 100-yard plus games, including a 286-yard game vs. Kansas City that is somewhat legendary. Early last season, he suffered a thigh injury, though, and became a victim of the Wally Pipp syndrome - Peyton Hillis replaced him, and took off to Madden Cover fame.
I've liked Bell as a runner since he was at the University of Arizona. He was an undrafted rookie free agent who fought his way to playing time with the Broncos. He played relatively well for the Saints in 2009. Didn't seem like he was much a receiver. But he runs downhill and hard. He'll break a tackle or two and press the crease.
One thing I very much like about the Lions current coaching staff is their adaptability. We saw a lot of that at the end of last season when the Lions won four straight games at the close despite a rash of injuries.
If there is anything left on the tires of Harrison and Bell - and there is no reason to believe there isn't because they are both just 28 - I think this staff will make the best of the situation.