Just days before the 2008 NFL season is set to open, the Detroit Lions welcomed back a familiar face to camp as former star running back Barry Sanders reported to camp.

            “I feel like the time is right,” said Sanders. “It’s been 10 years. Maybe I left too early before. But I feel rested and rejuvenated. A whole decade’s worth or rest and rejuvenation. I am ready to play again.”

            But while the Lions waited for years for Sanders to return and rescue the moribund franchise, some in the organization worry the all-time great, now 40, may have lost a step since last playing in 1998.

“He left at the top of his game,” said Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. “There was a whole lot left in the tank. But maybe the gas has gone bad. Or maybe the bottom of the tank has rusted out. Or perhaps other parts of the car have gone bad. Like perhaps the tires. Or the brakes. Or the engine. Okay, I’ll stop with the analogy. What I’m saying is that Barry Sanders is very, very old.”

            Despite Marinelli’s concerns about Sanders, general manager Matt Millen says Sanders is welcome back with open arms.

            “Have you seen our team? I can’t name more than five guys on our roster – and I signed or drafted almost all of them,” said Millen. “Hells yes Barry Sanders is back on our team. In fact, he will start in Week 1. We don’t really have any other options. Kevin somebody, a rookie. Some wash-up we just signed from the Bengals. Barry is definitely our guy. I think he can be as good as before.”

            But Millen’s confidence only fuels Marinelli’s doubt.

            “I have come to learn that Matt Millen’s instincts are always 180-percent wrong,” said Marinelli. “If Matt didn’t think Barry could still contribute, I would be doing everything I could to get him the ball on every play.”

            No matter who is in his corner, Sanders just wants to get back on the field.