Lions running back Jahvid Best not cleared to play

Lions running back Jahvid Best will not be permitted to play because of concussions. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will not be permitted to return to play after having suffered multiple brain injuries in the past two seasons, the team announced Monday.

Best hasn't played since suffering a concussion last Oct. 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. He also suffered a concussion in a preseason game earlier that season.

Best was eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list today on Monday and had hoped to make his debut in next Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.

"After today's consultation with medical experts, including representatives from our medical and training staffs, it has been determined that Jahvid will not be permitted to return to play at this time," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said in a statement.

Best has 945 yards rushing and six touchdowns in two seasons with the team. Mayhew said that Best will continue to work with medical and training staffs in hopes that he can make a return to the field.

“The situation I'm in with the way that concussions are being taken right now, it's taking a long time [to be cleared for contact],” Best said last week. “I guess I'm just kind of the poster boy for [the new concussion protocols], and I have to take it how it is.”