Leshoure stoked for belated debut
Mikel Leshoure knows that the Oakland Raiders are going to hit him hard Saturday night. He can’t wait. Sixteen months after being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round after his junior season at Illinois and almost two years after his last game, Leshoure is expected to take the field for the first time as a pro in Oakland. He missed his entire rookie season with the Lions after tearing his left Achilles tendon during training camp.
“I’m excited, because it has been a long time, but I also know I have to stay focused,” he said. “The pace of the game is going to be the biggest challenge, so I’ve got to be ready for that. It’s been awhile since I’ve played at game pace, and I’ve never done it at this level.”
With Jahvid Best (concussion) expected to miss the start of the regular season, the Lions need Leshoure to step up and take some pressure off Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Detroit’s high-energy passing attack.
“I’m really excited for him,” offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. “It’s been a long road to get on the field. ”
Leshoure has been slowed by a hamstring problem in camp and missed the first two exhibition games, so the running game has consisted of Kevin Smith, Keiland Williams and Joique Bell.
“I feel great,” Leshoure said. “I’m not limited by the Achilles or by the hamstring. I’m ready to go.”
In other news ...
kilograms of cocaine with Hurd’s money in hopes of establishing a large-scale drug distribution network. Toby Lujan pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. His plea deal calls for a prison sentence of 5 to 40 years. It also requires him to testify if asked by prosecutors.
Defensive end Anthony Hargrove, already facing an eight-game suspension for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty pool, has been released by the Green Bay Packers. Hargrove, 29, has denied NFL accusations that he lied to league investigators. With the Saints from 2009-2010, he played last season for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Arizona Cardinals have placed left tackle Levi Brown on injured reserve, meaning he won’t play this season. Brown tore his right triceps and underwent surgery this week.
Left guard Travelle Wharton (right knee) was placed on the injured-reserve list by the Cincinnati Bengals.