by Tom Kowalski
Friday June 20, 2008, 12:07 AM
One of the biggest disappointments last season was when Campbell suffered a relapse of his elbow injury early in the year and played in just two games. At the time, Campbell was Detroit's only strong blocking tight end and when he went out, one of the strengths of the running game went with him.
Campbell still has an issue with his elbow but, this year, the Lions are going to be extremely cautious in bringing him back. That's why they signed free agent Michael Gaines and will have him running with the first unit when the Lions open camp.
Gaines is a good blocker, but Campbell has always brought something extra to the job. Campbell is not only very good in the strength and technical aspects of blocking, but he brings an attitude and toughness to the game and the locker room. And that's one thing head coach Rod Marinelli misses with Campbell sidelined throughout the off-season workouts and probably the early portions of training camp - the professionalism that Campbell brings to the field.
As a receiver, Campbell wasn't used much with the Giants or Cowboys, but he had a career year in his first season with coordinator Mike Martz - averaging 14.7 yards on his 21 catches and scoring four touchdowns. Campbell, whose previous best was 11.4 yards per catch with the Giants in 2001, could still be a target in Detroit's new offense. Because the Lions want to throw the ball quicker on shorter routes, Campbell could top his career-high of 22 receptions (Giants, 2002) but he won't be the deep threat he was with Martz around.
Going into his 10th year - and missing most of the last two seasons with injury - there could be the assumption that Campbell is nearing the end of the line. But if his elbow is healthy - and, again, the Lions are going to be very careful there - there's no reason why he can't return to play a big role in the offense.
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