ALLEN PARK — Lions’ veteran left tackle Jeff Backus won’t be able to start training camp due to a pectoral injury.

“That’s not going to be a day-to-day thing, that’s going to be a little bit of time,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said on Thursday morning. “How much I don’t know. We feel, I think everybody feels confident that he’ll be ready. When we don’t know.’’

Backus will be on site, just not on the practice field when camp starts on Friday.

It will give guys like Corey Hilliard, Jason Fox and rookie Johnny Culbreath more reps.

“You never want to have a player injured, but better at the beginning knowing it coming in, giving you time to address that in camp and give opportunities to other guys,’’ Schwartz said. “Jeff’s solid as a rock. He’s started 160 straight games in the National Football League, he’s never missed a game. That’s probably the definition of reliability. I’m sure he’ll be ready.’’

Schwartz expects kicker Jason Hanson, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, will be ready to go.

Players report to the Lions on Thursday with the first practice set for 10:15 a.m. on Friday.

The first practice open to the general public will be at 10:15 a.m. on Monday.

The Lions can not comment on the status of agreements with players until they are officially signed at 6 p.m. on Friday.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)