With another season lost, is Best's career over?

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 2, 2012, 3:51 PM EDT

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In a disappointing but not unexpected announcement, the Lions confirmed today that running back Jahvid Best will not play this season.

Best, who has been out for more than a year because of two concussions he suffered last season, had said repeatedly that he felt good and hoped to play this year. But doctors haven’t cleared Best to return to contact, and Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew announced today that the Lions have ruled Best out.

“There has been subsequent evaluation and consultation regarding Jahvid since our last update [on October 15],” Mayhew said. “As has been the case throughout, we have deferred to the medical experts and support their current recommendation that Jahvid not return to the field this season. Javhid’s approach to this situation and his adherence to the process and protocol have been exemplary. No one has worked harder or shown more dedication than Jahvid has over the past year. As disappointing as this decision is for us and Jahvid, we do believe it is in his long-term best interest.”

Best, who also suffered a serious concussion in college at Cal, now faces an uncertain future. At the age of 23, his football career may be over.