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Jeff Backus injury: Lions OT's start streak could be over

Lions offensive tackle Jeff Backus' 186 consecutive games started streak could come to an end Thursday, as he is dealing with a hamstring injury.

By Jack Cassidy
Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Jeff Backus has started 186 consecutive games for the team, but that streak could come to an end Thursday after he injured his hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Backus left Sunday's game late in the first half and was unable to return.

Backus was drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft and has started every game since. His streak his third longest in the NFL behind Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who each have started 234 consecutive games.

Replacing Backus on the line will be rookie Riley Reiff. Reiff was also drafted by the Lions in the first round, No. 23 overall, and has played sparingly as the sixth offensive lineman this season. Reiff struggled filling in for Backus on Sunday, as he picked up two holding penalties, but for the most part, he has played well in his opportunities this season.