The Facts: Even though Best was not cleared for contact to open up camp for the Lions, he is staying on the positive side of the issue. Not being cleared for contact meant he spent the first day of camp watching rather than participating.

Diehards Line:“I’m not disappointed. Like I said the only thing I’m worried about is doing everything I can to get cleared,’’ Best said. “Once I get cleared I’ll be back there.’’ There is no time table on when Best will return, but his progress is still being measured weekly rather than daily at this point. In the the meantime, the Lions are considering alternatives in the backfield. “We finished our last 10 and a playoff game without (Best) last year so we’ve worked through a lot of contingencies,’’ head coach Jim Schwartz said. “It’s not like the first time we’ve been without him.’’ Those contingencies start with Mikel LeShoure and Kevin Smith.