Louis Delmas injury: Lions safety still sidelined by knee problems

Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas missed all 10 of the team's OTAs this offseason because he was off somewhere rehabbing his knees. Rather than sit on the sideline at the OTAs, the Lions and Delmas apparently decided it would be better for him to focus strictly on his rehab.

With the Lions' three-day minicamp this week being mandatory, Delmas was in attendance on Tuesday, but he wasn't able to actually take part in the practice. That's because he's still dealing with knee issues, and he did not sound happy with the situation when asked after practice.

Tried to talk to Delmas today. "Can you guys leave me alone, seriously!" was what we got. Said knee feels "just how it was last year."

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) June 11, 2013

Considering Delmas missed half of the 2012 season because of issues related to his knees, this is not good to hear. He had to have surgery during training camp last year, and knee issues bothered him throughout the season. The hope was that an offseason of rehab would take care of the problems, but that doesn't seem to have happened.

The fact that Delmas is still injured is far from a surprise, unfortunately. This is exactly why the Lions signed him to an incentive-laden deal this offseason. To earn the full worth of his contract, Delmas will have to be able to be on the field.

While the regular season is still three months away, it's not a good sign that these knee problems are still happening. The Lions are far better prepared to handle Delmas not playing after signing Glover Quin, and they do have Don Carey ready to go in Delmas' place. Even so, the Lions are a better team when Delmas is on the field.

Also missing from Tuesday's practice, by the way, were running back Jahvid Best, offensive guard/center Leroy Harris, defensive end Ronnell Lewis and cornerback Jonte Green.