Kevin Smith said eight weeks of waiting for any NFL team to sign him was humbling.

Now the running back is back with the Detroit Lions, and Smith wants a chance to show he can stick in the NFL.

"I've been away from the game for eight weeks," said Smith, a third-round pick by the Lions in 2008 and who rushed for 976 yards as a rookie before injuries limited his production in 2009 and 2010. "Not to know if you will be able to play in this league, and still be young, and still be 24 years old? Not to be able to do something you love, but it be at the hands of 32 teams in the NFL, it humbles you.

"Second chances, you don't want to mess that up."

Smith was signed Monday because the Lions are still waiting to hear when running back Jahvid Best can return from a concussion.

DETROIT LIONS

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Detroit Red Wings right wing Johan Franzen, left, celebrates one of his three goals against the Colorado Avalanche.

Associated Press

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