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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

10/28/2013

Detroit Lions: Mikel Leshoure trade rumors abound


ALLEN PARK — Mikel Leshoure has just been active for just two games this season.

The Detroit Lions running back, who was a second-round pick in 2011, has two carries for nine yards.

It’s uncertain if the Lions will keep him or move him on Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline day. They could be in the market for a wide receiver with Ryan Broyles lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.

Jim Schwartz is not tipping his hand. He said he has not had conversations with Leshoure involving trade rumors.

“You guys handle that for me. He hasn’t played very much this year, but I know he’s ready to play,’’ Schwartz said. “If he’s called on, he’ll do well out there. It’s just the way it is right now. Reggie (Bush) is in his role and Joique (Bell) is doing well in his role. Theo (Riddick) came back and played well especially. He had one play on special teams where he blocked three guys on the same play. Theo has really stepped in and has done a nice job on teams. You can only keep up 46 on game day. I would like to have all 53 guys up, but it’s just not in the rules.”

The Lions do have one vacant spot on the 53-man roster since losing Broyles.

And they do have running back Montell Owens coming off short-term injured reserve. Owens has practiced with the team for two weeks and will be eligible to play on Nov. 10, the first game after the bye week.

Owens was signed mostly for his special teams’ acumen. Leshoure doesn’t play much special teams.

“Montell has been a proven contributor on offense and also on special teams. That’s the role that he was working in as the preseason went,’’ Schwartz said. “It’s still too soon to see (what his role will be). He’s been on the practice field. Those are the decisions that will be made as we go forward. It might be game plan. It might be week thing. He certainly can do that and that would be the plan.”

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

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