Detroit Lions: Despite Practicing, DeAndre Levy Remains Doubtful to Play
By Zac Snyder
We got the surest signs yet that DeAndre Levy was indeed on the path to recovery when he returned to practice this week for the Detroit Lions.
He was noted as being a limited participant for each of the three injury report updates this week but a full week of practice was a good sign. However, that doesn’t mean the Lions are publicly expressing any more optimism that Levy will play this week than they have in weeks before.
The final injury report for week four was released today and just as he was for the first three weeks, Levy is listed as “doubtful” to play.
Talked to Levy today, said hip feels good some days, not great others. Feels he made good progress this week, despite being doubtful for Mon
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) October 3, 2015
While the door was left open for Levy to play, that isn’t the case for Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring) and Joique Bell (ankle).
As harsh as it may sound, Bell missing this week represents an upgrade for the Lions at running back. Bell has looked a step slower than usual coming back from his offseason injuries and now adds an ankle injury on top of that. Joe Lombardi admitted this week that Bell hasn’t bounced back from injury like they thought he would so it is best Bell sits for the time being.
Pettigrew will be missing his third straight game and his absence means another heavy workload for Eric Ebron and more snaps for Tim Wright.
Joining Levy as doubtful is rookie offensive tackle Corey Robinson, who was limited all week in practice because of ankle injury.
Ezekiel Ansah (groin), Larry Warford (ankle) and Josh Wilson (lower leg) are questionable to face the Seahawks.
Jason Jones (knee) rounds out this week’s final injury report update after not appearing on the first two editions. Jones is listed as probable to play.
By NFL definition, game designations are as follows:
Out = Player will not play
Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play
Questionable = 50% chance a player will play
Probable = 75% chance a player will play
Next: Lions-Seahawks Q&A with Emerald City Swagger