DETROIT (AP) — Lions defensive end Cliff Avril left Sunday’s game against Minnesota with a back injury.
Avril slipped awkwardly while rushing the quarterback in the fourth quarter and lost his footing. He remained down for a little while being tended to on the field, but he was able to walk off gingerly.
He also missed the start of Detroit’s next defensive series.
Avril had a breakout season in 2011 with 11 sacks. He was given the franchise tag by the Lions and held out briefly before signing a $10.6 million tender before this season.
