Lions Notebook: T Jeff Backus' consecutive starts streak in jeopardy

Lions left tackle Jeff Backus has started every game of his 12-year NFL career, but that streak could come to an end Thursday thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in Detroit's Week 11 loss to Green Bay.

A hamstring injury and Detroit's short week could combine to end LT Jeff Backus' 12-year run of consecutive starts. (US Presswire)

Lions left tackle Jeff Backus has started every game of his 12-year NFL career, but that streak could come to an end Thursday thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in Detroit’s Week 11 loss to Green Bay.

Backus’ streak of 186 consecutive starts is a franchise record, and only Peyton Manning [208] started more consecutive games to begin his career in the NFL. Backus’ current streak is the third-longest active consecutive starts streak in the NFL, trailing Buccaneers’ CB Ronde Barber [208 starts] and Redskins’ LB London Fletcher [188 starts].

Backus has previously played through injuries during his career, but the timing of this injury could make that difficult because of Detroit’s four-day turnaround between games, and the unpredictable healing process for hamstring injuries.

Coach Jim Schwartz, who is usually reticent to discuss injury issues, admitted that Backus’ prospects for playing against the Texans aren’t good.

"We'll see how [Backus] does [with rehab], but it's probably going to be doubtful that he'll be able to play on a short week like this," Schwartz said.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford , who described Backus as “a rock” on the offensive line, said he feared the hamstring injury was serious when Backus -- who hates missing reps even in practice -- wasn’t able to finish Sunday’s game.

“Last time I saw [Backus] walk off the field [and not finish a game], he had a torn bicep,” Stafford said. “The guy’s playing through a lot. He’s a great teammate.”

If Backus can’t play Thursday, rookie Riley Reiff will likely take his place in the starting lineup. Reiff struggled against the Packers’ pass rush Sunday, but Schwartz said he’s confident in Reiff’s ability to handle starting duties.

Schwartz didn’t officially rule Backus out, but Detroit’s roster breakdown would make it difficult to keep him on the gameday active list if he’s not able to start. Detroit normally carries only two backup offensive linemen, one of which is reserve center Dylan Gandy, so it’s safe to assume that Schwartz will put the team ahead of Backus’ streak if Backus won’t be able to contribute.

Florence diagnosed with concussion: Cornerback Drayton Florence returned to action during Sunday’s loss to the Packers after being evaluated for a concussion following a helmet-to-helmet hit. Florence finished the game, but was diagnosed with the brain injury Monday after complaining of post-concussion symptoms. Jim Schwartz said Florence was allowed to return to the game only after he cleared in-game safety protocols.

“Our [doctors] checked [Florence for a concussion],” Schwartz said. “He passed all the tests on the sideline. He returned to play. He played pretty well. He didn’t have any [concussion] signs as we went forward. He didn’t seek any treatments, wasn’t having any symptoms after the game. [Monday] morning [he] woke up with a headache. Can’t say mild or severe [headache or concussion] or anything else, but our guys did diagnose him this morning with a concussion.”

Florence is the fifth Lions player -- and fourth defensive back -- to suffer a concussion during the 2012 season. Two of the four players -- cornerback Bill Bentley and safety Amari Spievey – have been placed on Injured reserve, but Bentley’s season-ending injury was not related to his concussion. Cornerback Jacob Lacey and defensive end Cliff Avril were able to return to the lineup following their concussions.

Practice report: The Lions held a walk-through Monday that was closed to media, and released the following participation report that was based on players’ expected levels of participation had the workout been a full practice: Did Not Practice -- Avril (back), Backus (hamstring), S Louis Delmas (knee), Florence (concussion), DT Sammie Lee Hill (knee), WR Calvin Johnson (knee, thumb), and Lacey (foot). Limited --  S Erik Coleman (eye), CB Chris Houston (ankle), LB Ashlee Palmer (chest), G Rob Sims (hamstring), DT Ndamukong Suh (knee), and DT Corey Williams (knee). Full -- K Jason Hanson (left foot).

Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSLions and @JohnKreger