Coach Janky Spanky

Mlive.com

DETROIT - Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones, despite being far ahead of schedule in his recovery from Lisfranc surgery, will not play in the first six regular season games.

An official announcement probably won't be made for another two weeks, but a source close to the situation confirmed the Lions' front office is already planning on keeping Jones on the Physically Unable to Perform list. In that scenario, Jones would not be eligible to return until Detroit visits the Chicago Bears on Oct. 28.

While Jones is still holding out an outside hope that he can return for the season opener - which is why the Lions aren't making any official decisions right now - team officials plan on playing it safe.