Logan trying to contribute wherever he can

Lions kick returner Stefan Logan, limited last year by a change of rules that minimized kickoff returns, has been seeing time at running back during training camp.

Logan's biggest weapon is his speed and during the 2010 season, he made an impact returning kickoffs, including a touchdown return against the Rams at Ford Field that electrified the crowd. 

When the NFL moved the kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, many kickers were sending the ball deep into the end zone, leading to many more touchbacks and effectively neutralizing the return game.

Logan, who primarily played running back throughout his career until he latched on with the Steelers, has seen time in the backfield during the first four days of camp. 

It's not the first time Logan has played running back in Detroit.  He's been used on a limited basis over the past two years, but it seems the coaching staff will give him more looks out of the backfield this preseason.

"He doesn't really stay there," said head coach Jim Schwartz.  "He gets work there but he still lines up as wide receiver, he still returns kicks for us, still runs down and covers kicks.  It just added to his role a little bit.

"That's been a little bit of a work in progress, but the more plays he makes the more you look to use a guy like that."

"They said, 'Hey we want to see you at some running back,'" said Logan.  "I was like, hey allright.  That's pretty much my answer to everything they ask me.  Okay!  It's kind of like I'm a yes-man right now.  Yes! Allright! Okay! Once they told me that I was like, 'Okay, I'll do it.'

"It's just like if they asked me to play tight end.  Okay.  I know I'm gonna get whupped, but I'm gonna play it anyway.  Once he asked me I told him, 'Allright, I'll do it and (Sam) Gash got together with me and started going over some of the plays and I'm just trying to catch onto this stuff real quick so I can get in during preseason, showcase my talent and move forward."

Notes: Louis Delmas was held out of today's workout and Schwartz said it was a day of rest to prevent any injury.  Delmas has struggled with knee and groin issues the last two seasons.   Jeff Backus and Mikel Leshoure both missed a second straight workout.  Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard both saw time at left tackle with the first unit.