Lions Leshoure participates in team drills for first time

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - It was a sight that will have a lot of Lions fans feeling better about running back depth with the regular season kicking off in three weeks.

Running back Mikel Leshoure participated in team drills for the first time this training camp at practice on Sunday. Leshoure has yet to play a game with the Lions, after tearing his Achilles during training camp last season.

"I just want to get out there and do what I can do," said Leshoure.

With depth issues at running back, there has been added pressure on Leshoure to perform once he is able to play. Despite those expectations, Leshoure said he doesn't feel any added weight on his shoulders.

"I don't feel like I have to do anything out of the ordinary," said Leshoure. "There are things I have to learn, but I feel pretty comfortable and I feel like I can help."

Leshoure had been struggling with a hamstring injury throughout camp, but said he has been feeling much better as of late.

"I felt good, the hamstring felt good, they eased me back into things," Leshoure said. "There were a couple of runs, mostly play-action stuff, things like that, and the 7-on-7 went well and I felt real good."

As good as his hamstring is feeling now, Leshoure said he wants to get some live action in before the regular season kicks into gear.

"I definitely want to get at least one preseason game and get some reps under my belt," said Leshoure.

Leshoure was suspended for the first two games of the regular season for arrests over the off season. Even thought he has to sit out the first two regular season games, Leshoure is able to play in preseason games.