Avril, Broyles, Leshoure to miss Lions preseason opener
Posted: 08/10/2012
DETROIT - Cliff Avril said all week it would be up to head coach Jim Schwartz whether or not he would play in the team's preseason opener against Cleveland.
As most expected, Schwartz and the Lions have declared Avril out of Friday's game.
Wide receiver Ryan Broyles, safties Don Carey and Louis Delmas, running back Mikel Leshoure, defensive tackle Sammie Hill, offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch will also be inactive.
Running back Jahvid Best and rookie cornerback Chris Greenwood remain on the PUP list, and will sit out, as well.
Avril returned to the Lions Sunday, signing his one-year, $10.6 million franchise tender. He had to sit out three practices under league rules, before hitting the field in full pads.
Broyles is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his final season at Oklahoma. The second-round draft pick has been in and out of Lions practice, but the team has been pleased with his overall progress.
With Leshoure and Best sidelined, Kevin Smith will start at running back. Smith said earlier in the week he wouldn't be worrying about anyone else, and would simply be focusing on himself.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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