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Mikel Leshoure hasn't been on the field at all for the Detroit Lions this season. He wasn't even active for the first two games, and he didn't play a single snap despite dressing this past week. His lack of involvement in the offense has led to speculation that he will be traded at some point, especially after it was reported a couple weeks ago that he's open to being moved.
On Wednesday, Leshoure denied that notion that he ever said he'd be open to a trade. However, he also made it pretty clear that he just wants to play. At this point, he probably would be open to the idea of being traded to a team that will actually use him, although he didn't directly come out and say that. From MLive:
"I just want to play," the tailback said after Wednesday's practice. "That's all I want -- to play. Like I said it before, just a lot of speculation because of the fact I'm not on the field, people just wondering what's going on. But I want to play, and that's it."
Leshoure also said on Wednesday that Lions general manager Martin Mayhew told him a few weeks ago that the team doesn't intend on moving him. Leshoure indicated that Mayhew wants to keep him around for insurance purposes in case there are injuries at running back. Already Reggie Bush has missed a game, leading to Leshoure being active, but that didn't actually get him on the field. It seems two of Bush, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick will need to get banged up for Leshoure to actually play.
I certainly don't fault the Lions' thinking given that having extra depth at running back is always a good idea. However, Montell Owens will be back later this season, and with the need for help at wide receiver, using Leshoure as trade bait might be worthwhile. The Lions recently rebuffed the Indianapolis Colts' interest in trading for Leshoure, according to a report, but it may be time for Mayhew to reevaluate his stance on not trading him.