DEARBORN, Mich. -- After eight professional seasons, including the past four starting every game for the Detroit Lions, offensive guard Rob Sims is putting a little extra effort into maintaining his body this offseason.

He started by addressing some nagging injuries, which have plagued him the past couple years.

"Nine years in the league, it was time for a clean up," Sims said Saturday, while watching teammates participate in a charity softball game. "I took care of some things that I needed to take care of, that I was battling through the past couple years."

Sims, 30, declined to elaborate on the specific procedure(s) he had done, but said everything was progressing well with his rehabilitation.



"I'm feeling good," Sims said. "Personally, I think I'm right where I need to be."

Sims has been in attendance but has been limited in his participation for the team's early offseason practices. The veteran is eager to get back into the full swing of things, but he's not willing to risk aggravating the injuries by unnecessarily pushing the pace.

With plenty of film in the can, Sims has the blessing of the team's new head coach to maintain a conservative approach with his rehabilitation.

"Coach (Jim) Caldwell said, 'I need you Sundays in the fall,'" Sims said.

The team would obviously benefit from having Sims in top shape for the regular season, but it's also important on a personal level as he enters the final season of his four-year contract with the Lions.

While most players with Sims' resume would salivate at the prospect of hitting the open market, he'd prefer to lock down a long-term extension with Detroit before it reaches that point.

"My family, my kids, we're all comfortable," Sims said. "We're set up the way we want to be set up. We've done well already, so it doesn't have to be anything crazy.

"We're not looking to hit a home run," he continued "We just want something steady, we feel is decent for the work I've put down out there on the field, something we can finish up with."

Sims' current deal averages $3.55 million per season, 21st at his position.

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