Detroit Lions: Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Barnes Should Get Long Looks Against Buffalo Bills

By Alek Frost
Senior Writer

Mikel Leshoure didn’t produce much in his preseason and NFL debut against the Oakland Raiders last week, rushing for just one-yard on five carries. But he’ll likely get an extended look against the Buffalo Bills Thursday night, with starter Kevin Smith sitting out.

The final preseason game usually holds little importance when it comes to the starting 22 on a team.

But Leshoure won’t see an NFL field again until Week 3, when Detroit goes on the road to play the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 23. Leshoure’s suspension gives this game added importance and other than a few individuals who are on the bubble, Leshoure has the most to gain.

Leshoure didn’t play as a rookie after an Achilles injury in training camp ended his 2011 season. In reality, this year will serve as his rookie campaign and not getting on the field until Week 3, will stunt his development in the short term.

However, the second-year back should get the ball early and often against the Bills. Plenty of reps are both beneficial for Leshoure, as he tries to get re-accumulated to the game and for head coach Jim Schwartz, who needs to know what he has in his back pocket with Jahvid Best not returning until at least Week 7.  

Kevin Barnes

Barnes will see his first action as a Detroit Lion, after he was acquired from the Washington Redskins Monday for a conditional draft pick. While Barnes hasn’t absorbed the entire playbook, he knows enough to get on the field and give the Lions a chance to see what he can do.

“We’ll see how quick we can get him up to speed,” Schwartz said. “He’s not going to know everything that we do when we get to Thursday night, but he’s going to have enough that he can go out and show if he can help us.”

Detroit is considerably thin in the secondary, especially after injuries to starters Bill Bentley (shoulder) and Chris Houston (ankle), so Barnes’ versatility is paramount. Barnes can play on the outside as well as the inside slot, where he’ll likely get some playing time this season, if he makes the final 53-man roster.

Follow Alek on Twitter: @Alek_Frost

Related stories:

Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh May Have to Settle for Hall of Fame Status, While Being Vilified for How He Got There

Carolina Panthers: Presence of DeAngelo Williams Should Make Decision to Rest Jonathan Stewart an Easy One