Injury Report: Two Detroit Lions Likely Out Vs. Denver Broncos, But Matthew Stafford Will Start
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions need to do anything and everything they can do on Sunday night to not lose to the Denver Broncos and avoid starting the season at 0-3. Luckily, their injury report isn't the longest thing in the world, and most of the bang-ups are quite minor. The best news though is that quarterback Matthew Stafford will be on the field and starting.
Stafford has been dealing with some issues ever since the loss to the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend. He had cuts to his left elbow and thumb combined with X-rays being needed on his ribs and chest. Luckily, nothing was serious and he is only listed as probable for this week, so he will start against the Broncos.
Detroit needs to be careful with Stafford though, as he can not suffer through another game like the one with the Vikings. Stafford was only sacked once, but he was hit eight times by Minnesota and it was obviously affecting him after the game was over.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (ankle) will be playing on Sunday as well, but the Lions may want to look at switching him out as he hasn't been playing too well. LaAdrian Waddle could be a great force on the line, but his status for Sunday is unknown.
Waddle was not listed on the injury report last week against the Vikings and isn't this week against the Broncos. Still, he has been having his right ankle worked on by trainers all week. They've had his shoe off and been working on his ankle and then taping it back up quite often.
The biggest question mark is linebacker DeAndre Levy, who is still dealing with what is an obvious hip injury. Even though listed as doubtful, there's really no chance of him playing this Sunday at all. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell still declines to talk about Levy possibly needing surgery, and just avoids it all together.
It's been said that Levy is "making good progress," but he's not close to playing yet.
The only player listed as out is tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He didn't practice at all this week with a hamstring injury, and it is expected that the Lions will have tight end Tim Wright active again this week. Pettigrew is going to miss his second consecutive game.
On Sunday night, the Detroit Lions are facing a big test in the Denver Broncos, and it's already at the point of being a "must-win" game. Having Matthew Stafford healthy enough to play is huge, but the offensive line has to protect him because he simply can't handle another game like last week against the Vikings.
Probable:
Cornelius Lucas, T (ankle)
Ezekiel Ansah, DE (back)
Matthew Stafford, QB (hamstring)
Don Carey, S (foot)
Glover Quin, S (lower leg)
James Ihedigbo, S (knee)
Questionable:
None
Doubtful:
DeAndre Levy, LB (hip)
Out:
Brandon Pettigrew, TE (hamstring)
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.