SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions playing coy about Ziggy Ansah’s status

By Steven Mullenax

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card game at CenturyLink Field on January 7, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card game at CenturyLink Field on January 7, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The mystery surrounding Detroit Lions defensive end and primary pass rusher Ziggy Ansah continues as the coaching staff claims ignorance.

One of the biggest areas of concern going into the offseason for the Detroit Lions was where the team’s pass rush would come from. Last season, Detroit finished tied for 30th in the NFL with 26.0 total sacks.

That was due in large part to their primary pass rusher, defensive end Ziggy Ansah, having a down year. The former 2013 first round selection out of Brigham Young posted a career-low 2.0 sacks in 13 games, as Ansah struggled with both a nagging ankle and shoulder injury.

The 28-year old found himself on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start training camp and has yet to participate in practices or any preseason games. Although the move to the PUP list was consider precautionary at the time, Ansah’s continued absence has turned concerning.

Especially considering the fact the Lions’ sack leader from last season, defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr., suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Detroit’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

With just two preseason matchups left. and the start of the regular season less than three weeks away, the fact Ansah hasn’t come off PUP yet is worrisome. But so is the recent answer given by Lions’ head coach Jim Caldwell when asked about the possible Week One return of the team’s best defensive player.

"“I’m not a soothsayer. I’m not a prognosticator,” Caldwell told ESPN.com. “… I can’t tell the future. I can’t predict that. But I feel good about it. But anything can happen these days. You just don’t know.”"

I find this to be a very strange answer coming from the head coach of a NFL team to a very reasonable question. You can’t tell me Caldwell doesn’t know the injury status of his best pass rusher less than 20 days out from their first regular season contest.

It appears to me that this Lions’ coaching staff is playing coy when it comes to Ansah and his possible availability. Perhaps a bit of gamesmanship to keep the Arizona Cardinals, their Week One opponent, on their toes when it comes to game planning.

Next: Detroit Lions Preseason Week 3 Preview - New England Patriots

Regardless, fans should take hope as Ziggy Ansah was spotted running alongside his teammates on Tuesday, according to ESPN. It could be the first sign that the 2015 Pro Bowler, who recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks just two seasons ago, will make his debut in Week One.

Home/Lions News