The Detroit Lions' biggest concern this preseason has to be at the running back position. That's why the return of second-year pro Mikel Leshoure to the field Wednesday is such big news for the team.
Last year's second round Draft pick missed 14 days of work because of a hamstring injury, according to MLive.com. The team has high hopes for Leshoure as a power running back, but he's barely been on the field since getting drafted. He tore his Achilles' tendon and missed all of last year. He's suspended the first two games to start the season after getting arrested twice this offseason.
The Lions will rely on veteran Kevin Smith until Leshoure is back. It wouldn't surprise us if they also picked up a veteran running back who is cut elsewhere. We have no idea when Jahvid Best will be cleared to play because of his concussion problems -- or even if he'll be cleared to play at all.
The Lions figure to be a very pass-heavy team this year, but the threat of a running game would help enormously. Leshoure is probably the team's best chance at the position of being a difference maker.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
