DETROIT (Reuters) - Detroit Lions rookie running back Mikel Leshoure will miss the 2011 season after tearing his left Achilles tendon in practice Monday, the National Football League team said.
"He'll have surgery very soon - probably tomorrow," Lions coach Jim Schwartz told reporters.
The second-round draft choice had been impressive in practice and had been expected to back up running back Jahvid Best.
Injuries have hit the Lions hard.
Top draft choice Nick Fairley, a defensive tackle, will miss training camp with a broken foot, and receiver Titus Young, the number two pick, has been slowed by a hamstring problem.
Third team running back Maurice Morris also has been out with a broken right hand.
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Rex Gowar)
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