Kelly

Butler

Detroit is having major pass protection problems without Butler.

Last year’s sixth round has yet to play a down in the NFL. Kyle Kosier, signed from San Francisco, is likely to back him up.

Butler has starting experience and can play both tackle spots some, so he may not last long on waivers. Tucker will back up at guard and tackle.

Butler, 26, has started games before but will be a backup in Zona.

Rector could get a look from the receiver-needy Cowboys. Baylark was buried behind Edgerrin James, Tim Hightower, and J.J. Arrington. Miller is Zach’s brother.

Tucker, a highly injury-prone former Pro Bowler, signed from St. Louis this offseason. Butler is the Lions’ incumbent starter.

A sixth-round pick in 2004 whose stock dropped when he was arrested twice in one day prior to the draft, Butler started 16 games at right tackle for the Lions in 2005. He’d been inactive to this point and will match up against Shaun Ellis (two sacks) of the Jets in Week 8.

Butler has been subbing for Ryan Tucker (undisclosed illness) the past three weeks. If he can’t play, he’ll be replaced by Nat Dorsey.