Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported yesterday that Detroit Lions OT Jeff Backus has sustained a partial tear of his pectoral muscle. Depending on the severaity of the injury, Backus could be out for a number of months while rehabbing the injury.
In recent years players like Giants WR Steve Smith and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil have suffered a similar injury and missed different amounts of time. Smith was out four weeks while Dumervil missed the entire 2010 season but the good news for Lions fans is that Backus’s injury is not considered to be severe.
The Lions are pegged as everyone’s breakout team for the upcoming season but an injury like could have a dramatic impact on the teams young and upcoming offense. Keeping Matthew Stafford healthy is imperative which is why losing their starting left tackle is a big concern. Detroit is obviously planning on utlizing their run-game more in the upcoming season so the remainder of the teams o-line will be have to step up until Backus is ready to return. There’s a chance that he could be back for the early part of the season but we’ll have to see.
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