Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) runs back to the sideline after intercepting San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) along with free safety Glover Quin (27), defensive back Josh Wilson (30) and strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions injury report this week is quite the laundry list, but most players on it are expected to play. DeAndre Levy, is out after getting surgery to fix his lingering hip problems. He hasn’t been placed on IR because the Lions still hold out the hope that he will play at some point this season.
Here is the full list of injuries as the Lions prepare for their week 7 battle against the Minnesota Vikings.
Out
TE Brandon Pettigrew (Knee/Elbow) – Pettigrew misses his second straight game. Pettigrew played the entire game against Arizona a couple weeks back, but reaggrivated his knee injury in a walk-through last week, leaving Tim Wright as the lone tight end for last week’s game against Chicago.
Questionable
CB Josh Wilson (Concussion) – Wilson suffered a concussion near the end of last week’s game. He practiced on a limited basis on Friday, his first practice of the week. If Wilson is unable to give it a go, look for Nevin Lawson and rookie Quandre Diggs to share Wilson’s reps as the nickel corner.
Probable
RB Joique Bell (Ankle) – Bell has missed the last three games dealing with issues related to off-season Achilles. The Lions need him healthy as the only other power back on the roster, Zach Zenner, was lost for the season after suffering a collapsed lung during last week’s game.
LB Josh Bynes (Hip) – Bynes was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but was a full participant in practices on Thursday and Friday.
TE Eric Ebron (Knee) – With Ebron expected to play, timing is everything. If Ebron is unable to go, Tim Wright will be the lone tight end. However, it looks as through Ebron will play. Through four games this season, Ebron has 15 receptions for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns.
S James Ihedigbo (Quad) – Ihedigbo sat out last week after injuring his quad against Arizona in week 5. The Lions need him if they expect to slow down or stop Adrian Peterson from ruining their day.
WR Calvin Johnson (Ankle) – Johnson sat out both Wednesday and Thurday’s practices, while being limited on Friday. This could be a way to get a valuable veteran some mid-season rest, or it could be something to watch out for. Either way, Johnson will play on Sunday.
DE Jason Jones (Neck) – Jones was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but was a full participant in both Thursday and Friday’s practice. He will be starting Sunday’s game as expected.
P Sam Martin (Left Knee) – Martin showed up on last week’s injury report and was limited in practice all week, except for being a full participant in Friday’s practice. Being that the injury is to his plant-leg as opposed to his punting leg (right), it’s not cause for concern but it is something to keep your eye on.
DT Haloti Ngata (Calf) – The Lions need Ngata to sure up the defensive interior. All signs point toward him playing for the first time since week 4. The Lions cut defensive tackle Ish Kitchen, which is also a good sign for Ngata’s return.
RB Theo Riddick (Groin) – Riddick got a bulk of the carries last week after the fumbling problems of Abdullah reared their ugly head. Riddick was on the injury report last week for the same injury (groin). He will play and be a focal point of the offense.
WR Golden Tate (Ankle) – Tate showed up on last week’s injury report with the same prognosis, but played and had his best game of the season. Look for #15 to be causing problems for the Vikings secondary all game long.
LB Tahir Whitehead (Shoulder) – After being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Whitehead was a full participant for the rest of the week. He will play on Sunday.
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