According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lions running back Mikel Leshoure has accepted his role as a backup behind offseason acquisition Reggie Bush and Wayne State’s own Joique Bell but would be open to a trade if one should come about.
Lions RB Mikel Leshoure has accepted role as backup. But he's wide open to being traded to a team that would rely on him more.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2013
It hasn’t been a smooth NFL transition for Leshoure who the Lions drafted in the second round back in 2011. His rookie season was wiped out by injury in training camp and despite a 2012 that saw some glimpses of a quality NFL power back Leshoure’s overall numbers have been pretty underwhelming. This is even more apparent after getting a taste of what Bush and Bell could do for the passing game last Sunday against Minnesota.
Of course the departure of Leshoure would mean another failed pick for the Mayhew regime however the Lions still could get something in return so it wouldn’t be a total blunder. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Indianapolis Colts who recently lost running back Vick Ballard for the season could be a good fit given their sudden needs at the position. You could also say the same for the St. Louis Rams and perhaps Pittsburgh Steelers considering the early season injury to rookie Le’Veon Bell.
Either way it would seem that Leshoure’s time in Detroit could be nearing it’s end.