Detroit Lions TE Tony Scheffler not troubled with decreased playing time in new season - NFL News
Detroit Lions tight end, Tony Scheffler is training hard in preparation for the upcoming 2012-13 season.
Scheffler was one of the most important players in the Lions roster last year as he made full use of his limited game time to make big plays and helped the franchise end up with a 10-6 record.
This year though the tight end will have even lesser playing time as the Lions added wide receiver, Ryan Broyles during the draft with a second round pick.
Broyles can play in the slot and will likely cut into Scheffler’s playing time once he recovers from his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
However, more competition for places does not perturb Scheffler and speaking to the
Detroit Free Press on Tuesday he said.
"It's one of those things in the NFL where you learn to take care of your business and, as long as I do my job, I'm not really concerned with how he fits in,"
Adding further he praised the youngster’s talent on the field and said that he will do his best to help Broyles adapt to the National Football League (NFL).
"I'll help him out. We'll do a lot of similar stuff, so it's fun to have him. He's a great athlete and shoot, he's one of the best college wide receivers that ever played."
That is big praise for a rookie.
The Lions remain unsure when Broyles will be ready to play in the NFL and there is still no timetable on his recovery.
Scheffler last year was used sparingly but made those opportunities count.
The tight end made 26 receptions last year for a gain of 347 yards but scored six touchdowns in the process to help Detroit finally end its long running playoff drought.
Scheffler went on to say that he is enjoying returning back to training.
"We have this off-season obviously without a lockout to get in there, and there's a ton of guys in there with the roster (expanding to 90 under) the new CBA, so it's been fun getting back in the facility in Allen Park,"
Even thought the tight end’s playing time maybe reduced he will likely play a very important role if Detroit are to succeed in 2012-13.
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