Cliff Avril injury: Defensive end's issues are not serious

An MRI taken on Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril's back showed nothing serious, reports Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

Avril was injured in the fourth quarter as he attempted to tackle Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. It was a non-contact injury. Avril walked off the field under his own power, but did not return to the game.

Avril has been a steady force on the Detroit Lions defensive line, and the positive MRI results come as a huge break for a team desperate to get back in the win column following three consecutive losses. Avril tallied 11 sacks in 16 games last season for Detroit and 8.5 sacks in 2010. Through four games this season, Avril has 1.5 sacks.

He should have adequate time to rest, as the Detroit Lions now head into their bye week. The Lions next contest comes against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 14.

This story was originally posted at SB Nation.