With Best out, Lions' Schwartz makes Morris starting RB

Published: Oct 23, 2011 at 04:00 AM

Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz told NFL Network's Steve Cyphers on "NFL GameDay Morning" that running back Maurice Morris would start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, with Jahvid Best out with lingering effects from a concussion sustained in Week 6.

Morris has just nine carries for 20 yards this season, but the 10-year NFL veteran saw some success as a backup to Best last season. Morris totaled 336 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and also had 25 receptions for 170 yards in 14 games, seven of which were starts.

Morris might see action as the Lions' No. 1 running back beyond Sunday, with Best's status in doubt for the foreseeable future. The concussion that Best sustained against the San Francisco 49ers was his second of the season, and head injuries have been a hot-button issue for the California product ever since he suffered a horrific concussion during his junior season with the Bears.

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