Lions at Vikings: Ezekiel Ansah, Darius Slay expected to play
The Detroit Lions got some good news prior to their Week Nine matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Two of their defensive stars are expected to play.
Currently sitting in the basement of the NFC North, the 3-4 Detroit Lions have an opportunity to gain some divisional ground on Sunday as they face off against the 4-3-1 Minnesota Vikings. The Lions are undefeated at U.S. Bank Stadium and hope to keep that 2-0 streak alive.
And to help the Lions keep those short string of wins going, it appears Detroit will have two of their star defenders available for this matchup. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, both defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and cornerback Darius Slay are expected to play against the Vikings on Sunday.
The Lions used their franchise tag to sign Ansah for this season, costing themselves a whopping $17.143 million. Yet, Detroit’s premier pass rusher has been sidelined since Week One due to a shoulder injury.
It now appears Ansah will make his return against the Vikings on Sunday. The 29-year old defensive end has recorded three total tackles and a sack so far this season. Ansah was limited in practice all week and appeared on the Lions’ final injury report as questionable for this matchup.
As for Slay, the Pro Bowl cornerback made a surprise appearance on the injury report on Friday after being unlisted the previous two days. The team’s top defender was limited in practice Friday due to a knee injury. Slay was also considered questionable for the divisional contest in Minnesota.
Also appearing as questionable to play against the Vikings in Week Nine is Pro Bowl starting right guard T.J. Lang, who is dealing with a hip injury. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck/toe) is listed as doubtful for the contest in Minnesota. You can view the Detroit Lions full injury report at DetroitLions.com by clicking here.