Lions LT Jeff Backus suffers pectoral injury

The man charged with protecting the blind side of frequently injured quarterback Matthew Stafford has his own injury.

Detroit Lions left tackle Jeff Backus has suffered a partially torn left pectoral muscle, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Neither Backus nor his agent Pat Dye Jr. would respond to inquiries for comment from Birkett, but a Lions source told him the injury was not believed to be serious.

Still, the injury puts Backus’ availability for the beginning of training camp in question. He’s been a fixture for the Lions at the position, starting 160 consecutive regular season games. Yes, that means every game in his 10-year career.

The Lions have issues on the other side of the line where projected right tackle Gosder Cherilus will try to return from microfracture knee surgery.

And you thought the team’s only issues were in the secondary and at linebacker.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Upcoming Games