Riley Reiff's status uncertain for Thursday's game

Foxborough, Mass. — Riley Reiff has started every game the past two seasons for the Lions at left tackle, filling the shoes of Jeff Backus who missed just one game in 12 seasons.

After suffering a left knee injury in Sunday's 34-9 loss to the New England Patriots, Reiff is in danger of missing Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Oddly enough, the only game Backus missed in his career was a Thanksgiving game in 2012 due to a hamstring injury.

Reiff suffered the injury on the first play of the game Sunday and did not return. He stood on the sideline, at times with his helmet in his hand, but never reclaimed his spot. Instead, undrafted rookie Cornelius Lucas played the entire game at the spot, and performed admirably but did allow a sack.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell didn't have an update on Reiff's status moving forward, and Reiff deflected questions to his coach.

"Obviously, he's been a workman just in terms of always being out there for us," Caldwell said. "I don't have an update on his status, but we will in a couple days or so.

"But nevertheless, I think the young fella got in there and held his own. He had a couple of tough spots, but other than that, I thought he was OK."

If Reiff does miss any time, there's a chance the Lions will move LaAdrian Waddle from his spot at right tackle to the left side, but the team will hope for good news when Reiff undergoes further evaluation.

The Lions were already playing without starting right guard Larry Warford, who's missed the last two games with a knee injury.

Extra points

In addition to Warford, running back Reggie Bush, defensive tackle Nick Fairley, tight end Kellen Davis, quarterback Kellen Moore, defensive end Larry Webster and wide receiver Ryan Broyles were inactive for the game.

… For the Patriots, defensive end Chandler Jones, defensive tackle Dominique Easley, cornerback Malcolm Butler, wide receiver Aaron Dobson, running back James White and offensive linemen Jordan Devey and Cameron Fleming were inactive

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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