Reggie Bush and Joique Bell are back after becoming the first teammates in NFL history to reach 500 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.

Theo Riddick seems headed for more touches, too, after turning in a big offseason.

The odd man out, as he was last year, would seem to be Mikel Leshoure.

But the Lions say not so fast.

"I think Mikel has a chance to be a big part of what we do," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said, according to the team. "As a matter of fact, I'm anticipating him being a big part of what we do and a big role in our success."

Leshoure was a hot-shot prospect when the Lions took him in the second round of the 2011 draft. After sitting out that season with an Achilles injury, the tailback led Detroit in rushing in 2012 with 798 yards on 215 carries.

But his star has since fallen.

Leshoure was displaced as the starter last year following the signing of Bush, then slipped behind Bush and even then-rookie Riddick in the hierarchy.

He was active only two games, and touched the ball just twice.

Leshoure was outspoken about his diminished role, going so far as to tell MLive that he would prefer to part with Detroit if he wasn't in the plans here.

"I want to go where I can play," Leshoure said. "If that's here, fine. If that's somewhere else, then that's good too.

"I do like it in Detroit. This is all I've known since I got to the NFL. I like it here, I like the people, I like the facility, I like the coaches. I'm happy here. But at the same time, I want to go where I can play."

But general manager Martin Mayhew said this offseason there were no plans to part with Leshoure, and was optimistic that Leshoure would compete for snaps this season.

The new system could help those efforts. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi developed his scheme while in New Orleans the past seven years, and New Orleans is known for using a fleet of tailbacks.

Four had at least 53 carries last year, compared to just two for Detroit. Given that context, Modkins' prediction doesn't seem so far-fetched.

But the problem is, Bush and Bell are both going to receive a ton of carries, and Riddick will play too because of his ability in the passing game. Detroit also plans to bring back a traditional fullback -- probably Jed Collins -- to the offense.

And let's not forget the Lions' best player is a receiver, and their biggest free agent acquisition is a receiver, and their top draft pick is a pass-catching tight end.

This team is going to pass a lot. And when it does run, Bush and Bell will be the primary options, with Riddick as the No. 3, plus a fullback.

It's difficult to see how Leshoure is going to have any kind of role in that backfield, let alone a big one.

Training camp opens Monday, which could offer an initial glimpse into what Modkins and the Lions have planned for Leshoure.