The Detroit Lions announced on Friday that Jahvid Best would be placed on injured reserve, sidelining the running back for the rest of the season.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the move is not expected to become official until next week.

"From the outset, we have been appropriately cautious and have followed all medical protocol with respect to Jahvid's injury," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "We look forward to his continued improvement and eventual return to the field."

In six games this season Best had gained 390 yards on the ground on 84 rushes and added another 287 yards receiving. He was among the top 10 players in the league in yards from scrimmage at the time of his injury.

Best had the best performance of his career against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 5. In the game Best ran for 163 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown.

Best's agent, Tony Fleming, told the Detroit Free Press that he expects his client to be back on the field next year.

"Definitely expect him to be back next year," Fleming said. "Being put on IR is more precautionary because he's continuing to see specialists, and he's just being evaluated still. It seems to be in the best interests to sit him for the season, but there's nothing long-term that's been established."

Best is the third running back the Lions have lost for the season.

Rookie Mikel Leshoure was lost for the season when he tore his Achilles tendon in training camp. Jerome Harrison was put on the reserve/non-football injury list with a brain tumor discovered after he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kevin Smith, who the team re-signed while Best was sidelined, suffered a reported high ankle sprain in the Lions' 27-15 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. If Smith is sidelined for an extended period of time, the Lions likely would add another running back to the roster to supplement Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams.