The NFL trade deadline came and went and the Detroit Lions stat patiently with their current roster in place. While several rumors were flying that the team might make a move for a receiver after Ryan Broyles was lost for the year and Nate Burleson is still struggling with an injury, but nothing ever came of them. One person wishing a move was made was running back Mikel Leshoure.
The 2011 second-round pick looked poised to be traded after Reggie Bush was added to the roster and Joique Bell got named the No. 2 back. The third-year pro has seen his playing time be all but taken away at this point with Bush playing healthy. He certainly was hoping to get moved to team that would utilize him more.
"I mean, yeah," Leshoure said, via the Detroit Free Press. "You always want to play and you always want to contribute, so yeah, it's frustrating not to be out there. It's my role, man. This is what it's been the last - all year. So this is what I'm used to now."
Leshoure had a breakout season last year. He led all Lions backs with 215 carries for 798 yards and nine touchdowns. Through Week 8, he simply has just two carries and a lot of time on the bench after losing his spot during training camp to Bell. Despite all of the drama, Leshoure says he has not been stressed leading up to the deadline and he will continue to play his role on the team.
"Like I said, it ain't been a stressful week," Leshoure said. "I ain't even been thinking about trade (deadline) and none of that stuff. I don't get into the media. I don't listen to any of that stuff. This is the first time ya'll coming up to me I've even thought about this in two weeks."
This is certainly a bit of a different tune for Leshoure. When asked an hour before the deadline if he was hoping a deal was made, the running back said he would welcome a deal if the team made one. Leshoure has made comments in the past about his belief that he is more than just a role player for a team and can be a featured back when given the chance.
