Jeff Backus figures to be back in mix for Lions soon

Jeff Backus figures he will be on the field when the Detroit Lions kick off OTA’s at the end of the month.

The left tackle has been recovering from torn right biceps suffered late in the season. He underwent surgery in January. At this point, according to the team’s Web site, he is pretty much rebuilding strength in the arm.

Backus has taken part in the voluntary offseason workout program for the first three weeks.

“I’m not in there doing some of the things the younger guys are doing,” Backus told the Web site “But I think, at this point in anyone’s career, 12 years in, their workout is a little bit different.”

The Lions used their first-round draft pick on Riley Reiff, a tackle from Iowa. While he may be an eventual successor to Backus, the plan right now is for the veteran to hold down the position. Backus, 35, has started 177 consecutive games over 11 seasons.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune