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The past few weeks, Detroit Lions fans have been keeping an eye on teams that may be in need of a running back. Why? Well, the Lions have a running back who appears to be expendable right now. Mikel Leshoure has fallen behind Reggie Bush and Joique Bell on the depth chart, and he wasn't even active in Week 1 of the season. Right now, it just doesn't look like he's got a role in the offense.
On Sunday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Leshoure has accepted his new role as a backup. Also, Schefter reported that Leshoure is open to a trade that would move him to a team that would actually play him.
Lions RB Mikel Leshoure has accepted role as backup. But he's wide open to being traded to a team that would rely on him more.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2013
The Indianapolis Colts make the most sense as a possible trade partner. With Vick Ballard tearing his ACL, the Colts have a need at running back, and owner Jim Irsay basically said this week that the team is open to making a move via a trade. I highly, highly doubt the Lions would get much for Leshoure at this point, but a draft pick, even of the late variety, would be better than him being inactive every week.
Of course, the Lions may not even want to move Leshoure. Bush is already banged up, and perhaps the Lions like the idea of having extra depth waiting on the bench should Bush or Bell go down. The Lions also have Theo Riddick, but extra depth is always a good idea at running back.