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Backus Rejoins Lions As Part-Time Coaching Intern

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jeff Backus has rejoined the Detroit Lions in a new capacity.

The team announced Tuesday the retired tackle will be a part-time coaching intern that will assist the offensive line this season.

Backus retired in March after missing only one game in his 12-year career.

Detroit selected him from Michigan in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. He started his first 186 games — plus one playoff game — before a hamstring injury forced him to miss last year's Thanksgiving game against Houston.

In other moves, the Lions said Tuesday that they signed two undrafted rookie free agents — defensive ends Robert Maci and Spencer Nealy.

The Lions say they released defensive tackle Michael Brooks and wide receiver Chastin West.

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