Jahvid Best could return next week if he is able to pass a series of tests.

"He's going through some return to play protocol, but he can't be on the practice field this week," Jim Schwartz said. "Those (tests) aren't done by the people here. Those are done by the independent neurologist and everybody else. The only thing we can do is wait for their opinion on it."

Best has not played since sustaining a concussion against the 49ers last year.

"He's in very good physical shape," Schwartz said. "Each guy is a little bit different. We took an open mind with Mikel (Leshoure) when he came back. He was able to come back and have a really good opening game. We're too far away there.

"The next step is getting him cleared, then it would be off PUP, then practicing before any decision would be made of when he would be ready to play. We don't make those decisions for him beforehand, and I think there is a good reason for that."

His teammates are optimistic that return will be soon.

"He's a game-breaker, no doubt," Lions center Dominic Raiola said. "We've said that from day one. He's a home run hitter. Hopefully, everything goes well with him, and we'll look forward to crossing that bridge when the time comes.