Posted at 10:31 a.m., Monday, December 24, 2007
NFL: Lions RB Jones to miss final game with injury
Associated Press
A torn knee ligament will keep Lions running back Kevin Jones out of the team's final regular-season game this weekend and could sideline him until the start of training camp.Tests revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Jones' right knee. He was injured late in the first half of Sunday's 25-20 victory over Kansas City after being tackled on a short reception.
Coach Rod Marinelli said today the team's medical staff will wait until swelling goes down in the knee to determine the best remedy. He wasn't sure of the extent of the tear or whether it will need surgery.
Marinelli said he hopes to have Jones back when training camp begins in late July.
The former Virginia Tech standout has missed 10 games due to injuries since Detroit selected him in the first round of the 2004 draft.
Jones, who leads the Lions with 581 yards and eight touchdowns on 153 carries, broke a bone in his right foot late last season and spent all of training camp on the physically unable to perform list after offseason surgery to repair the fracture. He was activated for Detroit's third regular-season game.
"It's been tough," Marinelli said. "He's been a warrior all year."
Ankle, elbow and shoulder injuries dogged Jones during his first two seasons with the team.
T.J. Duckett, who rushed for a season-best 102 yards against Kansas City, should get the bulk of the carries Sunday when Detroit ends the regular season at Green Bay. Marinelli said the Lions also will use Aveion Cason and Tatum Bell.
Starting right tackle Damien Woody sprained his right shoulder against the Chiefs, but Marinelli said Woody could be ready to play the Packers if he develops enough strength to push off with the shoulder.
