Injury Report: Detroit Lions Getting Healthier, But Big Names Missing Against Seahawks
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions need a victory in the worst way—an 0-3 hole is bad, but an 0-4 hole almost makes a season a total wash from the beginning. They are about to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, and it's going to be a big test, but not an impossible one. They're getting healthier, but still have some question marks as far as effectiveness in back-ups.
This week's injury report is a bit shorter than others have been so far this season, but two huge names are going to be out on Monday.
Running back Joique Bell sat out practice all week with a bum ankle, and the starter in the Lions' backfield will not be playing against the Seahawks. With that, the Lions are turning to rookie back Ameer Abdullah, who will have his turn to shine in a rushing game that is ranked worst in the entire league.
The good news is that while Bell is the starter, he has just 22 yards on 20 carries so far this season. Abdullah has been the most productive back for the Lions with 21 carries for 82 yards, but he has 154 total yards overall. Fantasy owners may still want to avoid coming near any running backs in the Detroit rushing game.
Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is still dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice all week and will have him miss yet another game. He did run with trainers on the side of practice, but he still was not game-ready.
Linebacker DeAndre Levy is still doubtful with a hip injury, but it doesn't appear to be as bad as first thought. He has been practicing more, and Lions' head coach Jim Caldwell knows that the return of Levy to the line-up will give the defense a big boost.
"Anytime you lose a good player your defense is going to miss him," Austin said. "No excuse for how we're playing and what we're doing, but we just think that obviously he's a very, very good player, a quality player, extremely talented. So you're going to miss that type of guy in your defense."
Defensive end Ziggy Ansah (groin) did take part in a little bit of Friday's workout for the Lions, and it's possible he could play if really needed on Monday. The almost two full days of rest before it may make his status more clear by game-time.
The Detroit Lions are looking better and considering the lack of output from Joique Bell so far this season and Pettigrew having already missed some time, it won't hurt the team as much. The Seattle Seahawks seem to have finally found their identity and it's time for the Lions to find theirs, despite the injuries.
Probable:
Jason Jones, DE (knee)
Questionable:
Ziggy Ansah, DE (groin)
Larry Warford, G (ankle)
Josh Wilson, CB (lower leg)
Doubtful:
DeAndre Levy, LB (hip)
Corey Robinson, T (ankle)
Out:
Joique Bell, RB (ankle)
Brandon Pettigrew, TE (hamstring)
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.
