Injury Report: A Few Key Players Slowed By Injury For Detroit Lions Vs. Minnesota Vikings
By Danny Cox
Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions had everything in place to pick up the win against the San Diego Chargers last week, but their second half collapse brought forth a lot of questions. With that, the Lions have to play a full 60 minutes and rely on every single player to do their job. That's why it's a good thing that their injury report for week two against the Minnesota Vikings isn't a long one, but a few key players are dealing with some lingering problems.
Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is out and has been all week with a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury against the Chargers and just hasn't been able to go this week, so it's possible that the Lions will give the nod to the player acquired during the offseason from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tim Wright, to fill in at tight end.
The biggest concern is with linebacker DeAndre Levy, who is out again and his injury is now officially listed as a hip string. He hasn't practiced since Aug. 24 and even though the Lions have him listed as doubtful, Levy won't be stepping foot on the field against the Vikings. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell will not address the rumors that Levy contracted a parasite during his offseason travels to Chile and the Lions are sticking with the story that it is a hip strain keeping him out. Josh Bynes will start in Levy's place while Tahir Whitehead will also see some time at linebacker.
Defensive tackles Haloti Ngata (shoulder) and Caraun Reid (ankle) are questionable, but expected to play against the Vikings this weekend. They returned to practice this week and should be ready to go, but maybe on a bit more limited basis than full-time. Wide receiver Golden Tate has a quad injury that has hampered him a bit here and there, but it's not anything too serious. The Lions are even considering having him still return punts as well as play normally at wide receiver, so it appears that the quad injury he suffered against the Chargers last week isn't too bad.
The Detroit Lions have some bangs and bruises, but nothing that should hamper them in big fashion. The losses of Pettigrew and Levy are big, but other players have the ability to step up and really take over in huge ways. Now, the Lions simply need to play a full game against the Vikings to get their first win of the season.
Probable:
Darius Slay, CB (ankle)
Matthew Stafford, QB (right upper arm)
Golden Tate, WR (quad)
LaAdrian Waddle, T (elbow)
Larry Warford, G (ankle)
Questionable:
Haloti Ngata, DT (shoulder)
Caraun Reid, DT (ankle)
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.
