With the way the Detroit Lions' cornerback position looks right now, Alphonso Smith is expected to be one of the starters when the regular season rolls around. While he had some struggles last season, he played pretty well before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury.
Unfortunately, Smith is starting training camp with another injury. This time he broke his foot (it didn't happen at practice; he showed up with the injury), landing him on the on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as a result. Smith will apparently miss three weeks because of this injury, which requires him to wear a boot on his left foot.
Considering the Lions haven't been able to practice together basically all offseason, the last thing you want to hear about is injuries to potential starters. This is the time for everybody to get on the same page and get back in playing shape.
The one piece of good news is that Smith should be able to return in August. That would give him a few weeks to get ready for the regular season, and in the meantime his absence will provide the many young cornerbacks on the roster a chance to get more reps and playing time in practice and preseason games.