Proposed Trade Saves Player's Life?

In a bizarre twist, Ronnie Brown will no longer be headed to Detroit in exchange for running back Jerome Harrison. During Harrison's procedural physical by Philly's team doctors, it was determined that he has a brain tumor. If not for the trade, there wouldn't have been a need for the physical. And if not for the physical the tumor wouldn't have been caught, so who knows how long it would've been left to its own devices. Scary to think about. ESPN reports that the 28 year old Harrison is not expected to play again this season (not surprisingly), but his long-term prognosis both for life and his football career appear to be good which is very good news for all parties involved.

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Unfortunately for the Lions, with the trade nullified Detroit not only doesn't get Ronnie Brown from the Eagles, but they additionally lose Harrison for the year. With Jahvid Best concussed and unlikely to play this weekend and rookie Mikel Leshoure on injured reserve, that leaves the Lions with Maurice Morris (9 carries 20 yards), Keiland Williams (19 carries 49 yards), and new addition Eldra Buckley (36 career carries in 2 seasons with Philly) as the only healthy running backs on the roster. The 31 year old Morris, now in his 10th NFL season, appears to be in line to get the start. While he hasn't produced much this year, he did have a 109 yard game last year in a win at Tampa Bay. The 5-1 Lions host Atlanta this weekend.

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