Another Blow for the Unlucky Lions

As optimism surrounded the Detroit Lions, skepticism remained around the team. Questions like, “Will Matthew Stafford stay healthy?” “Can they shore up the secondary and linebacker groups?” Now, there is a blow that will likely hurt the Lions before they even play a preseason game.

Rookie running back Mikel Leshoure, a second round draft pick out of the University of Illinois, will miss the entire 2011 campaign with a torn Achilles Tendon. That is a huge loss for a team looking to continue it’s success from the end of 2010.

The Lions arguably had one of the best drafts in 2011. They were able to solidify one of the top defensive lines, by adding Nick Fairley out of Auburn when he slid to them at pick 13. In the second round they added Boise State big play receiver Titus Young, who eventually will form a dynamic duo with Calvin Johnson. Leshoure was added with their second, second round pick.

Fairley has already missed time in training camp with a foot injury, and now Leshoure is lost for the season due to a high hit by DE, Cliff Avril. What once looked like a team on the rise, with a chance to get to 8-8 or better, now looks like a team with a bleak outlook for 2011.  It is only a matter of time until, umm drum roll please…. Stafford separates his shoulder yet again, which should completely ruin the year.