Recently retired Lions LT Jeff Backus will join the team as a part-time coaching intern.

Backus announced his retirement on March 14, leaving the team devoid of veteran leadership along the offensive line. Although he wont be around full time, Backus plans to sit in on meetings and serve as a mentor to the young tackles "whenever he has time."

Ex-Lions LT Jeff Backus says retiring was an "easy decision."

"I just think as the years wore on, I knew that I was getting to a point in my career where I'm extremely fortunate for playing the number of years that I did," Backus said Tuesday. "You start taking into account your age and the way your body feels, it was an easy decision for me." It's unclear how the Lions plan to replace Matthew Stafford's blindside protector, but the No. 5 pick is a possibility. 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff would be a shaky option.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is retiring from football.

DetroitLions.com believes LT Jeff Backus and TE Tony Scheffler could still be candidates for release.

Reporter Tim Twentyman cautions it's "pure speculation," but the fact that a team-approved writer is willing to put it out there is notable. Backus is due an affordable $2.75 million between salary and bonuses. Cutting Scheffler would free up $2.45 million in cap space, and make more sense considering his dreadful play in 2012.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is more likely to play in 2013 with C Dominic Raiola restructuring his contract and staying in Detroit.

Backus and Raiola have played together since both were selected in the first two rounds of the 2001 draft by the Lions. If Backus, 35, returns, that would seem to make it less likely free agent RT Gosder Cherilus will be re-signed. 2011 first-round pick Riley Reiff would be the favorite to start on the right side. GM Martin Mayhew has said he's "optimistic" Backus, who has one year left on his deal, will be back.

GM Martin Mayhew is "optimistic" LT Jeff Backus and free agent K Jason Hanson will be back with the Lions in 2013.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is unsure if he will be back in Detroit for a 13th NFL season.

"I don't know," Backus said. "I obviously I've got to see what the Lions want to do. I'll probably make a decision in the next few months and go from there." Detroit drafted Backus' successor in Riley Reiff, but the 35-year-old remains an asset as a rock-solid pass protector. He's under contract for a reasonable $2.25 million with a $500,000 roster bonus.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Sunday's game against the Colts.

Backus returned to practice this week, but didn't work with the first-team offense during practice open to the media Friday and is listed as questionable on the Lions' official injury report. First-round pick Riley Reiff appears on track to make his second straight start at left tackle.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) will not play in Thursday's game against the Texans.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is officially doubtful for Thursday's game against the Texans.

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, it's "almost a sure thing" Backus sits out, ending his streak of 186 consecutive starts. It's bad news for Matthew Stafford, though he has a capable fill-in in first-round pick Riley Reiff. Backus is week-to-week.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz has deemed LT Jeff Backus "doubtful" to play on Thanksgiving due to his hamstring injury.

First-round pick Riley Reiff will replace Backus on Matthew Stafford's blindside. This will be Backus' first missed game of his 12-year career. Backus, along with concussed cornerback Drayton Florence, will now target a Week 13 return.

Coach Jim Schwartz admitted that LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans.

Lions LT Jeff Backus limped off the field with a right hamstring injury in Sunday's game versus the Packers.

Backus has been a rock in pass protection this season. First-round rookie Riley Reiff has come on as his replacement. Backus has started 186 straight games, the longest active streak by any offensive player.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (finger) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Backus was a late addition to the Week 10 injury report, but it's not a major concern. He's officially listed as "probable." Backus has never missed a game in his entire career with the Lions.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (thumb) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

Backus doesn't want to give first-round rookie Riley Reiff an opening. He's back at practice with his right thumb in a cast despite what suffering what appeared to be a break on Saturday. Backus has started a remarkable 176 straight games for the Lions.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is wearing a hard cast on his injured right thumb.

Backus was initially sporting only a brace after injuring his thumb in practice on Saturday, but it sounds like he's dealing with a break. The injury shouldn't affect his Week 1 status, but could sideline him for a majority of the preseason. The silver lining is the Lions can now can first-round pick Riley Reiff some valuable first-team reps at left tackle.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (biceps surgery) was a full participant at OTAs and minicamp.

Backus will turn 35 in September, but he's started all 176 games in his 11-year career. He signed a new two-year deal with the Lions in March, confirming they have no immediate concerns about his health. If first-round rookie Riley Reiff is going to crack the starting lineup this season, it will likely come at the expense of right tackle Gosder Cherilus.

Lions LT Jeff Backus (biceps surgery) has been participating in the team's offseason training the past three weeks.

Backus says he's right on schedule in his recovery from January surgery. He's expected to be on the field for OTAs, even if his participation level is scaled back to next to nothing. Owner of a 177 consecutive games streak, Backus is a good bet to be ready to go by training camp.

Lions president Tom Lewand confirmed Thursday that the team expects LT Jeff Backus (biceps tear) to be a full-go by training camp.

Backus could even get in some work at post-draft OTAs. While the 34-year-old may have one more season left as a starter, the Lions need to start thinking about the future of their tackle position sooner rather than later. RT Gosder Cherilus is in a contract year, and Backus isn't long for the league.