Broyles activated, Backus, Leshoure sidelined at Lions camp

Three days into camp, Ryan Broyles was cleared for takeoff and he took advantage of the opportunity, showing no ill effects from the torn ACL he suffered last November at Oklahoma.

"I want to be out there as much as possible," said Broyles.  "They're going to bring me along at an even pace, so just whatever I can do to get out there, I'm going to give it my all every chance I have."

"Ryan and Johnathan Scott, even though we were wearing shoulder pads today, weren't allowed to wear shoulder pads," said head coach Jim Schwartz.  "There's a three-day acclimation - reporting day and then two days of practice before they're able to wear shoulder pads.

"We took the pads off for that last period to get those guys some work and we also in some of the one-on-one's, I had the pads taken off on one of the DBs so that Ryan could get some work."

While Broyles and Scott saw limited action, Jeff Backus and Mikel Leshoure were both stuck on the sidelines - Backus with a soft cast on his thumb. Jim Schwartz labeled both injuries short-term.

"I don't like missing time," said Backus.  "I don't like missing reps.  I enjoy being out there with the guys and I enjoy taking reps and just getting the work in.  So I'm disappointed in that regard not being able to be out there with my teammates."

Neither Backus or Schwartz would comment on the extent of the injury, though Schwartz did point out that when the games count in the standings, the Lions will be ready.  

Question marks surround the defensive back unit.  Already a weak link last season, the DBs lost Eric Wright and Aaron Berry, and now they're turning to young talent like Jacob Lacey and Alphonso Smith to fill the void.

"That's going to bring out the best in the unit," said Lacey, acquired after spending last season with the Indianapolis Colts.  "That's going to make guys compete.  That's going to add depth to us.

"One thing that you do need in this league is depth because unfortunately there's injuries, there's other things that come across, but it brings out the competition."

"It's an opportunity not only for myself, but for everyone," said Smith.  "It's called training camp, so everyone has an opportunity to get better. I go into every training camp looking at it as an opportunity for me to get better and somehow help this team win."