Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones underwent surgery on his injured left foot this week and is facing a long rehabilitation period.
The Lions' leading rusher was injured late in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Lions trainer Al Bellamy confirmed that Jones sustained a Lisfranc injury, a tearing of the tissues that connect the bones in the middle of the foot. He had the surgery Wednesday.
Detroit linebacker Teddy Lehman missed more than 12 months with a similar injury. More optimistic projections have Jones, who rushed for 689 yards and six touchdowns, returning for the start of next season.
He set career bests this season with 61 receptions and 520 yards.
Bellamy said Jones cannot put any weight on the foot for six weeks. He'll then go from a cast to a walking boot for another six weeks. At some point, doctors will remove screws from his foot.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
