Injury Report: DeAndre Levy Back Out As Detroit Lions Prepare For Chicago Bears
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions are looking to do whatever it takes to get out of this five-game losing streak and win their first game of the season, but it won't be easy to do. As they prepare to face off with the Chicago Bears, three big-time players are listed as out and one may be done for the entire season.
Linebacker DeAndre Levy made his 2015 season debut last week after sitting out the first four games with a hip injury, but returning to the action may not have been the best idea. He's back out again this week and it was revealed that he's going to have surgery to repair his injured hip. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has not yet made the decision whether he will be placed on season-ending injured reserve or see if he can play the final few games.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is out for a second straight game with a calf injury and the Lions aren't sure how long he will be out. He did not practice at all this past week.
The third player out for the Lions' game with the Bears is tight end Eric Ebron. He left a Week 4 loss against the Seattle Seahawks with a left knee injury and did not play last week. Ebron did return to practice this week, but on a limited basis. It's hopeful that he may be back in full for next week.
The running back position may also be an issue for the Lions this week as Joique Bell has been ruled questionable with a nagging ankle injury and a lot of pain in his surgically-repaired Achilles tendon. Running back Theo Riddick, who is dangerous by ground and air, is also questionable with a groin injury.
"He's a good player," Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday. "I think we've had too many two-minute situations where he's often getting the outlet throws. But that being said, I think you've all seen Theo play. He's a heck of a receiver, so it's a good thing when he's getting the ball."
Safety James Ihedigbo is the last Detroit Lion listed as questionable with a quad injury, but he practiced a good bit this week and is expected to play against the Bears on Sunday.
The Detroit Lions just can't seem to have anything go right for them this season, and their defense is truly suffering with injuries to Levy and Ngata. If they can just get that first win of the year, it may improve morale; but players have got to stay healthy and others have to step up.
Probable:
Jason Jones, DE (knee)
Darius Slay, CD (hip)
Darryl Tapp, DE (ankle)
Golden Tate, WR (hip)
LaAdrian Waddle, T (knee)
Larry Warford, G (ankle)
Questionable:
Joique Bell, RB (ankle)
Jame Ihedigbo, S (quad)
Theo Riddick, RB (groin)
Doubtful:
None
Out:
Eric Ebron, TE (knee)
LB DeAndre Levy (hip)
Haloti Ngata, DE (calf)
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.