HOUSTON – Detroit Lions fans will have to wait at least another week to see newly acquired pass rusher Za’Darius Smith in a Lions uniform.

The 32-year-old Smith, who was set to retire this week before transferring from Cleveland to Detroit last Tuesday, was given a few days off by Lions head coach Dan Campbell earlier this week so he could check on his property in stricken Florida. due to recent hurricanes that passed through the state. He took part in training on Friday, but will have the evening off so he is fresh and ready for the long run of the last two months of the season.

“I think every case is somewhat unique, and his is unique because, first and foremost, he’s an experienced player,” Campbell said Friday. “He’s got a lot of miles on him and he can still do it, but I think it’s also important for him to take a breather. That’s one, two is you just got traded. It’s a whirlwind .Suddenly, “I was healed, we were getting ready for the team photo, heading out for the day, now all of a sudden I’m driving here to Detroit and oh by the way, there was a hurricane that was barreling south where my house is.”

“There are just these things and I think it causes some stress that you can relieve. That’s more important than us forcing the issue now and I’d rather he be healthy in body and mind for the rest of this long term than I would try to force the issue now.”