Check The Report: Ansah Questionable; Ebron, Riddick, Ngata Out Vs. Rams
By Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
When the Detroit Lions signed running back Justin Forsett on Tuesday, it didn't bode well for Theo Riddick's odds of playing this weekend.
And on Friday, the team confirmed that Riddick will miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. He sustained an ankle injury during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles and didn't practice all week.
The Lions will also be without tight end Eric Ebron (ankle/knee), linebacker DeAndre Levy (knee/quad) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shoulder) versus the Rams.
Ebron remains week-to-week while Levy is expected to return by midseason. Ngata, who sustained his injury against the Eagles, could miss up to three weeks according to the NFL Network.
On the bright side, it appears defensive end Ezekiel Ansah will make his long-awaited return. He was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, but has been involved in practices since Wednesday. The Pro-Bowler went down in Week 2 with a high ankle sprain.
Ansah spoke with reporters on Friday for the first time in several weeks, and said he'll be ready to go if called upon on Sunday.
The Lions may also get a boost in the backfield with the possible return of Dwayne Washington. The rookie returned to practice on Friday and, like Ansah, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He missed last week's clash with the Eagles after injuring his ankle in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears.
If Washington plays, he'll likely split time with the newly-signed Forsett. Where Washington is a better north-south runner, Forsett is more of the elusive type. He is also adept at catching passes out of the backfield, something at which Riddick excels.
Don't be surprised if Forsett makes a mark on Sunday's game. He sounds like a guy who has something to prove.
Along with Ansah and Washington, wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle), safety Don Carey (ribs), defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (shoulder) and guards Laken Tomlinson (neck) and Larry Warford (hip) are all listed as questionable.
