5 Running Backs the Detroit Lions Could Consider After Mikel Leshoure's Injury

The Detroit Lions were dealt a sizable setback today as 2011 second-round pick Mikel Leshoure torn his achilles tendon, effectively ending his rookie season before it even started. 

The Lions were set to lean on Leshoure considerably in his first season, a plan that now may need to be altered.

With explosive but undersized back Jahvid Best serving as the Lions' No. 1 back, it becomes imperative for GM Martin Mayhew to find an adequate replacement. Whether he is already on the roster or Mayhew needs to dip into free agency is yet to be seen. 

If he does decide to try his luck in free agency, here are five players who may fit what the Lions want in a No. 2 back behind Best. 

Jerome Harrison

Jerome Harrison fits from a geographical standpoint, as he grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan—approximately 140 miles from Detroit. 

But he also fits from a football viewpoint. Harrison has been one of the league's better backup running backs over the past couple of seasons, rushing for over 300 yards in 12 games last season and almost 900 in seven starts and 14 games in 2009. 

He can also give the Lions a threat out of the backfield, as Harrison has caught nearly 50 passes over the past two seasons. 

It's a surprise Harrison is still on the market at this point, but he'd likely be the best replacement now that Leshoure's season is over in Detroit. 

Mike Hart

Like Harrison, Mike Hart fits from an in-state viewpoint. He attended high school in New York, but Hart was a star for Michigan, holding career records at UM for rushing yards and carries. 

He got squeezed out of Indianapolis, and the Colts chose not to re-sign Hart. He still remains unsigned.

Hart could find a home in Detroit, however, and an opportunity might be all he needs to flourish. Actually, when given a chance in Indianapolis (12 carries, 84 yards vs. Houston, 2010; 11 carries, 50 yards, one TD vs. Kansas City, 2010), Hart played well. 

As the No. 2 back in Detroit, Hart could finally gain some consistent playing time behind Jahvid Best.

Julius Jones

Julius Jones has over 5,000 career rushing yards and 150 catches in eight NFL seasons, but he's without a roster spot heading into 2011. 

While he's never been a flashy back in any sense of the word, Jones has provided a steady presence in the backfield for the three teams he's played for (Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints). 

That's all the Lions should want in a No. 2 back. Jahvid Best can provide the flash, and Jones can be the third down, short-yardage back. 

Kevin Smith

A former third round pick of the Lions in 2008, Kevin Smith was never able to build on the success he had in his rookie season. 

That year, Smith rushed for 976 yards and eight touchdowns with a 4.1 average—respectable numbers for a first-year player. 

However, injuries always seemed to get the best of Smith, and he rushed for less than 900 yards in his last two seasons combined (19 games). 

Still, he knows the team and playbook, and he'd likely come cheap. One of the reasons for bringing in Leshoure was to make Smith expendable, but now the Lions may have to bring him back. 

Ladell Betts

Ladell Betts has never started more than 10 games in an NFL season in his career, so he knows the role of the backup running back.

In fact, he's been a backup for nine years in the NFL, rushing for 3,326 yards and 15 touchdowns in 111 career games. 

The Lions could bring in Betts, who is an unrestricted free agent, to be the No. 2 back behind Best. Betts also has 188 career receptions, proving his worth on third downs. 

He may be 31 years old, but Betts is the kind of veteran presence that could help the Lions' young offensive backfield.