American Football: Gary might miss season

Orlandis Gary's career has been marred by injury. It appears the 2004 season won't be any different for the Detroit Lions running back.

Gary, who is scheduled for shoulder surgery, might miss the season if he requires a long rehabilitation after the procedure, according to coach Steve Mariucci.

"If the doctor does confirm that he needs surgery, then that would end his season. He was playing and doing OK, but it was bothering him," Mariucci said. "Then, this week, it got to a point that he wanted to have it checked; and they said that there is a cyst that needs to be cleaned out. If they do that, it's probably a season-ender."

The Lions traded a conditional pick to the Bills last season to acquire Gary, who rushed for 384 yards in 2003.

Gary rushed for 1,159 yards in his rookie season in 1999 with the Broncos, but he has gained just 839 yards in the past four seasons because of various injuries.