In only his second game with the team since signing as a free agent on Nov. 7, Smith rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 61 yards and another score in the Lions’ 49-35 victory.
“Well deserved,” said Lions running backs coach Sam Gash. “Kevin had a great all-around game Sunday and I’m proud how much he persevered and fought to get back on the field.”
Smith is the first Lions running back to earn NFC Player of the Week honors since Hall-of-Fame running back Barry Sanders in Week 17 of the 1997 season.
Smith is the third Lions player this year to win NFC Player of the Week honors (K
The 140 yards rushing is a career high for Smith and he tied a career high with two rushing touchdowns.
Smith got on a roll in the second quarter when he registered a 43-yard run, which was the second longest of his career. He then took caught a pass on the next play and took it 28 yards for a touchdown. In back-to-back plays, Smith accounted for 71 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
Smith is also nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.
Teammate
Smith and Stafford are the first teammates to be nominated for FedEx Ground and Air Player of the Week this season.
