There was a time when Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best were considered the next-best-things for the Detroit Lions. Fans were calling the running back tandem a lightning/thunder combo making the Lions ground game set for years. The second-round draft pick back in 2011 never really banned out to be the savior of the run game and is now looking to be traded sooner rather than later.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Leshoure is looking to be traded from the Lions after being benched in favor of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. While Leshoure had originally accepted his backup role with the Lions, he wants Detroit to trade him to a team that might actually use him in games. Like many running backs, LeShoure wants to be traded to a team that runs the ball more than the Lions do during an average game.
In his rookie season, LeShoure played in 14 games, acquiring 798 yards and nine touchdowns. He proved to be a quality addition despite only averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He also put up 214 yards on 34 receptions, averaging 6.3 yards per catch.
LeShoure's career with the Lions might not be totally over. Bush is pretty banged up after just two games with the team. After acquiring a knee injury on Sunday, an MRI revealed no structural damage. While that is good news for both Bush and the Lions, it shows that the running back likely will not stay healthy for the entire year.
There are potentially some teams interested in the running back market. The Indianapolis Colts would be the best fit for LeShoure. After losing Vick Ballard for the entire season, owner Jim Irsay said the team would be very active in making a move before the trade deadline. Irsay tweeted the team was hit hard by the loss of Ballard and with just Ahmad Bradshaw and Donald Brown to work with, he wants to make a trade soon.
The Colts likely will not run the ball any more than the Lions already do. With Reggie Wayne and T.Y Hilton at wide receiver, Dwayne Allen at tight end and Andrew Luck as the quarterback, the offense is built to pass. They could make the move considering LeShoure would likely jump at the opportunity.