Injury Report: Detroit Lions Looking Their Healthiest This Season For Game With Eagles
By Danny Cox
For the second straight day, every single player on the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster took part in practice. That's almost unheard of in the NFL for any team at any point in a regular season. There are still four players listed as questionable for the Lions' Thanksgiving Day game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they should be able to play on Thursday.
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson sprained his ankle at the end of the Week 8 game in London against the Kansas City Chiefs. It has been aggravating him since then, but he played against both the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders in the past two weeks; both wins. Johnson will be playing on Thursday.
Cornerback Darius Slay has a neck injury and the Lions had him practicing this week on a limited basis and on restrictions. He was a full-go in practice on Wednesday and will be ready for the game with the Eagles.
Three other players are listed as questionable and were limited at some point in practice this week for the Lions are defensive tackle Gabe Wright (ankle), safety Don Carey (back) and defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle). The Lions took precautions with these players during the short week between games and will during the game on Thursday, but they should be able to get in there and play.
Tight end Eric Ebron is listed as probable with a quadricep injury that has nagged him for a couple of weeks now. He did end up being a full-go in practice this week though and he will be playing against the Eagles. The same can be said for cornerback Crezdon Butler (teeth) who will also play as needed.
For the Eagles, quarterback Sam Bradford is listed as questionable after being limited all week in practice due to a concussion and left shoulder injury. It's unlikely that he will play and back-up Mark Sanchez will probably be starting his second game in a row this season.
The Eagles have ruled out both running back Ryan Mathews (concussion/groin) and tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) for the game with the Lions. Both starting left tackle Jason Peters (back) and center Jason Kelce (knee) are listed as questionable and are being seen as game-time decisions.
The Detroit Lions have all the tools in place to win their third game in a row and keep the streak going. It helps that the Philadelphia Eagles are a walking wounded unit, and that could end up working to the advantage of the Lions who are finally starting to come around.
Probable:
Crezdon Butler, CB (teeth)
Eric Ebron, TE (quadricep)
Questionable:
Darius Slay, CB (neck)
Gabe Wright, DT (ankle)
Calvin Johnson, WR (ankle)
Don Carey, S (back)
Caraun Reid, DT (ankle)
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.