Ronnie Brown traded to Lions for Jerome Harrison

Ronnie Brown failed to make an impact in Philadelphia, rushing for just 2.9 yards per carry. (Rich Kane/Icon SMI)

UPDATE: Jerome Harrison failed his physical with the Eagles due to "health issues," voiding the trade. Harrison will remain a Lion, and Brown will remain an Eagle.

The Detroit Lions made a move to solidify their running back situation, just before the trade deadline, sending Jerome Harrison and a 2013 seventh-round pick to Philadelphia for Ronnie Brown.

Brown signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Eagles this past offseason but had carved out very little playing time behind LeSean McCoy. Through six games, Brown had 13 rushes for just 38 yards and turned in one of the most bizarre plays of the season.

Harrison's numbers this season are comparable to Brown's -- 14 carries for 41 yards -- but he had been inactive for two games. The Lions added him this preseason after losing Mikel Leshoure to a torn Achilles.

Now, the Lions are dealing with health issues for starting RB Jahvid Best, who is questionable for Week 7 after suffering his second concussion of the year. The loss of Leshoure also cost the Lions the power back they wanted to complement Best -- Harrison, Maurice Morris and others failed to provide the pop there.

Brown could be the missing piece, especially if Best can stay healthy. Brown scored 36 touchdowns over six seasons with the Dolphins and might be able to take some red-zone carries from Best.

The Eagles, meanwhile, acquired Harrison via trade for the second time in two seasons. They also traded for the 28-year-old running back last October, sending Mike Bell to Cleveland in exchange for Harrison.

Harrison figures to serve as McCoy's primary backup.

Best's concussion issues -- he's had three in two years with Detroit and suffered one during his final year at Cal, as well -- led to the Lions being brought up in trade-deadline rumors surrounding Cleveland's Peyton Hillis and Dallas' Tashard Choice.