Mikel Leshoure declined to blame his 2011 Achilles' tear for his slide down the depth chart. "I feel good," Leshoure said. "I feel like I'm back to where I need to be and nothing as far as my Achilles is the issue here. I don't put anything on that." Simply put, Joique Bell is the better player and has won the backup job by outplaying Leshoure. Credit the former second-round pick for not making any excuses. He'll need a Bush injury to even be part of a committee this season.

Mikel Leshoure rushed for 32 yards on five carries in the Lions' third preseason game Thursday night. He played behind Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, and even FB/RB Montell Owens, although Owens suffered a potentially severe knee injury. Leshoure is Detroit's third-string running back at best and may be inactive on game days to open the season because he doesn't contribute on special teams. Through three preseason games, Leshoure has 56 yards on 12 runs (4.67 YPC). Bell is averaging 6.50 YPC.

Mikel Leshoure was given just one carry in Thursday's preseason game. That would suggest an injury, but Leshoure wasn't known to be hurt. It's the latest sign that Leshoure is buried behind Joique Bell on the depth chart, and perhaps even rookie Theo Riddick. Leshoure has zero fantasy upside.

According to DetroitLions.com, Mikel Leshoure still hasn't rediscovered his pre-injury form. In-house reporter Tim Twentyman gave the opinion after being asked for his thoughts on Joique Bell and Leshoure. He added that Bell "is solid." It's certainly an indication that Bell is in the running for the Lions' No. 2 job behind Reggie Bush, as team-payroll "beat writers" aren't paid to make waves. Twentyman is also one of the best reporters covering the Lions. Outside of touchdown-only leagues, Leshoure's upside is extremely minimal.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz is looking for more week-to-week consistency from Mikel Leshoure. "(You) can't be up one week, down another regardless of circumstances and things like that," Schwartz said. "I think that's probably his biggest challenge. It's something he's been working through this offseason and that's something he's going to have to put behind him as a player." Leshoure's reps were "managed" during the offseason program as he fought through a hamstring issue, but he was a full participant in last week's minicamp. Dogged by injuries since being the No. 57 overall pick of the 2011 draft, Leshoure's 2013 will be all about proving he can stay healthy.

Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) took part in team drills at Tuesday's minicamp session. Leshoure doesn't expect to be full-go before for camp, but this is a positive sign for his recovery. Leshoure is doubtful to take part in team drills for all three days of minicamp.

Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) expects to be limited until training camp. Leshoure returned to limited on practice on Monday, but won't be full-go for OTAs or minicamp. "(It's) offseason OTAs, it's no time to be out here trying to rush and do things," Leshoure said. "I'm not saying I haven't been trying to get back. That's been the plan. But we're just being a little bit smarter this year." On a micro scale, Leshoure's hamstring ailment isn't a concern, but on a macro scale, it's just his latest nagging leg injury. It's a pivotal season for the 2011 second-rounder's Lions future.

Speaking about Mikel Leshoure's hamstring injury Wednesday, Lions coach Jim Schwartz said it's taking "maybe a little bit longer than we would've thought." Leshoure has thus far been sidelined at OTAs. "It's something that's been nagging him," Schwartz said. "We'll get him back there soon. He's working hard, he's just not working on the field." Leshoure missed time in last year's camp with a hamstring injury, and experienced calf, groin and ankle issues during the regular season. Leshoure could tumble farther down the depth chart if he can't shake his habit of leg injuries.

Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) remained absent from Lions OTAs on Wednesday Leshoure has been doing individual work since OTAs opened, and there are no indications that the injury is serious, but it's troubling news for a player who's had trouble staying healthy since being drafted.

Mikel Leshoure is being held out of team drills at Lions OTAs with an undisclosed injury. "He's battling some stuff," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He can do some individual stuff but he's not ready to do any team work." There are no indications that the injury is serious, but it's worrisome news for a player who's had trouble staying healthy since being the No. 57 overall pick of the 2011 draft. Leshoure can ill-afford any more leg ailments after plodding through 2012. For now, Leshoure remains penciled in as the Lions' short-yardage "specialist" despite his anemic 3.71 yards per carry last season.