Detroit Lions’ Rookie Riley Reiff on the Spot with Jeff Backus Ailing

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) - Riley Reiff was one of the last players to leave the field Tuesday at Detroit's practice facility.

That was appropriate, because the Lions' rookie offensive lineman could have quite a task on his hands this week - without a lot of time to prepare.

Reiff may very well start for the Lions at left tackle Thursday against the Houston Texans. Jeff Backus, a mainstay on the offensive line for over a decade, is recovering from a hamstring injury, his streak of 186 starts in serious jeopardy. Reiff, a first-round draft pick this year, is preparing for whatever role awaits him on Thanksgiving.

Backus was hurt in the first half of Sunday's loss to Green Bay, leaving Reiff to fill in.

Backus did not participate in practice Tuesday. He's started every game so far in his 12-year NFL career.

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