It could also signify the end of Lemeieux, who missed 58 games with back trouble.
Maryland missed two weeks of camp with back trouble, but he played in the Packers' final preseason game and is still an effective run stopper.
This was Mitchell's first start after missing four games with back trouble.
For many years, Wheeler recommended that his patients with back trouble avoid fusion surgery unless it was absolutely necessary.
The rookie Jeff Hatch, a physically gifted tackle, was expected to develop into a starting candidate, but he will miss at least a week with back trouble.
Cleveland's Hernandez, who is sitting out the year with back trouble, attended the game and visited both clubhouses.
'This has been the worst year for me,' Leconte said, recounting his six months out of the game with back trouble.
Then in spring, suddenly I'd do too much yard and garden work and end up in bed with back trouble.
Hamilton was on the bench, sore, and Cornelius Griffin walked the sideline slightly bent at the waist, out of the game with back trouble.
Wells, a pitcher with back trouble, turned 40 in May.