Injury Report: Detroit Lions Extremely Healthy For London Battle With Kansas City Chiefs
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions do have one victory this season, but pride has them wanting more than that. Sure, the season is only halfway over, but things aren't looking any easier. Now, they're over in London and about to face off with the Kansas City Chiefs. Luckily, their injury report has them looking healthier than they have in months.
Only one player is listed as out for this Sunday's game and that is linebacker DeAndre Levy, but that comes as no surprise. He is just a few weeks coming off of hip surgery and he's expected to be out a while longer too. Detroit has not yet said exactly how long he will miss, but he hasn't been placed on injured reserve yet either.
The only other real question mark is that of starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle who is dealing with a knee injury. Waddle didn't practice at all on Wednesday, and he was limited on both Thursday and Friday so he'll likely be a game-time decision for the Lions. If Waddle can't play, look for second-year tackle Cornelius Lucas to start in his place. Even if Waddle is healthy enough to start, Lucas will probably switch out with him throughout the day against the Chiefs.
The rest of the injury report simply shows a few lingering injuries or bumps and bruises that has them listed as probable. Matthew Stafford tweaked a quad, but he is more than healthy and ready to start on Sunday. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is returning from a knee injury that has had him sidelined for a few weeks now. He's been back at practice and looks ready to go. Running back Joique Bell returned last week, but still had his ankle looked at by trainers during practice in London. There didn't appear to be any setbacks though and he will play against the Chiefs and likely split carries with Ameer Abdullah once again.
The Detroit Lions know the Kansas City Chiefs have not had a good season so far either and both teams are desperate to get another win. Being as healthy as they are right now is the best things could possibly be for them as they prepare to face a Chiefs team that is ailing a lot on their own.
Probable:
Brandon Pettigrew, TE (knee/elbow)
Joique Bell, RB (ankle)
Matthew Stafford, QB (quad)
Sam Martin, P (left knee)
Stephen Tulloch, LB (illness)
Rashean Mathis, CB (illness)
Questionable:
LaAdrian Waddle, RT (knee)
Out:
DeAndre Levy, LB (hip)
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
