The Detroit Lions continue to search for a more compelling mix in the backfield.
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported Monday that free agents Ryan Grant and Steve Slaton will work out for the team this week.
The Lions leaned heavily on Kevin Smith through the first two weeks of the season, but with Mikel Leshoure on his way back from suspension, the workload is about to shift toward a committee approach.
Grant spent the past five seasons with the Green Bay Packers before the team cut ties with him in the offseason. Following a pair of 1,000-yard campaigns in 2008 and 2009, Grant spent 2010 on injured reserve before pumping out 559 yards in Green Bay last season.
Slaton started 26 games with the Houston Texans from 2008 to 2010 before injuries and the rise of Arian Foster and Ben Tate sent him tumbling down the depth chart. Slaton spent three games with the Texans last season before a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins led to his exit from the league.
Detroit's passing game appears as dangerous as ever, but defenses don't fear this running game, ranked 26th in the league. Grant and Slaton are stopgap types, and probably not an upgrade over Smith, but Detroit's search for a spark wages on.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
