here is a twist, Martz Says KJ will will be ready for opener
Lions' Martz: Kevin Jones will be ready for opener
excerpt:
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz is expecting injured tailback Kevin Jones to return by the start of the regular season.
The prognosis for Jones' return has been up in the air since late last season, when he sustained a severe injury to his left foot. There has been speculation that Jones will miss at least the first six games of the season.
However, Martz said Wednesday that he thinks Jones will be ready to play when the Lions play at Oakland on Sept. 9.
"Yeah, I do," Martz said after practice Wednesday. "I think we're all optimistic about that. I think Kevin is, too. He's making good progress, and we're all anxious to have him back."
Jones is in the physically unable to perform list. He works out and does individual drills, but NFL rules do not allow him to practice with the team.
Tatum Bell is the starting tailback with Jones out. T.J. Duckett, Aveion Cason and Brian Calhoun are filling reserve roles.
When healthy, Jones has been the starting tailback for his three seasons with the Lions. However, Martz did not guarantee that he would reclaim his starting job immediately.
"He has to come back and compete for his job like everybody else," Martz said. "Nobody has a stake on anything. It's like everywhere else. He's got to come back and get back in football shape and compete with all the other backs in that spot.
"You can't plan this stuff. You just cannot plan. What you have to do is wait, get him back, and you take one step at a time.
Lions Report - KJ to miss at least 6 games/Kalimba Edwards starter
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