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Injury Report: Four Starters Expected Back For Lions, But Brandon Pettigrew Out Again For Game With Vikings

By Danny Cox

The Detroit Lions are coming off of their first victory of the season and riding on a bit of a high that they hope continues this week against the Minnesota Vikings. Even though not everything was positive with a few players still out with injuries, the Lions are possibly getting back as many as four starters, and that is just what they need right now.

Running back Joique Bell is going to be seeing the game time field for the first time in weeks, and it's just what the Lions need. The running game has been completely anemic with a few rookies throwing their hats into the ring and coming out with virtually nothing. Maybe now some pressure can come off of the passing game and open it up a bit more.

Speaking of the passing game, wide receivers Calvin Johnson (ankle) and Golden Tate (ankle) are both listed as probable for this Sunday. They were limited at times in practice this past week, but they should be ready to start against the Vikings on Sunday.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was limited on Wednesday, but he was practicing in full on Thursday and Friday which means he's probable and ready to go. Ngata has missed a few games with his calf injury, but he's going to be back in the middle of the line, and the Lions need every bit of defense they can have for Adrian Peterson.

Safety James Ihedigbo (quad) and tight end Eric Ebron (knee) were both also limited this week, but should be returning for Sunday too. They may be used sparingly at times so as not to risk a setback, but they should be ready to play nonetheless.

The return of Ebron is great news considering that tight end Brandon Pettigrew is out for yet another game due to elbow issues, and now his knee injured as well. During last Saturday's walkthrough, Pettigrew hurt his knee, and it was a major setback that kept him out of practice this entire week.

One other name is listed as out and that is linebacker DeAndre Levy who is likely gone for the season. After appearing on a limited basis in one game this season, Levy will likely have surgery on his hip, which will keep him off of the field for the rest of the year, but the Lions have still not confirmed that.

Probable:
Joique Bell, RB (ankle)
Josh Bynes, LB (hip)
Eric Ebron, TE (knee)
James Ihedigbo, S (quad)
Golden Tate, WR (ankle)
Calvin Johnson, WR (ankle)
Jason Jones, DE (neck)
Sam Martin, P (left knee)
Tahir Whitehead, LB (shoulder)
Theo Riddick, RB (groin)
Haloti Ngata, DT (calf)

Questionable:
Josh Wilson, CB (concussion)

Out:
DeAndre Levy, LB (hip)
Brandon Pettigrew, TE (elbow/knee)

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.

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