Detroit Lions injury report: Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions return from the bye week in better health overall, but will still be without the services of some key players on Sunday.
Let’s start with the good news. Matthew Stafford and Rick Wagner are off the injury report. Punter Sam Martin has officially returned. TJ Lang (back) and Glover Quin (concussion) practiced in full this week.
All of the above will play Sunday without restrictions, and Quin’s streak of 123 consecutive starts appears to continue.
STATUS: OUT
The Lions were hopeful that after missing three straight games, a week off would bring their rookie receiver back to full health. Unfortunately, after a limited practice on Wednesday, Golladay (hamstring) did not practice for the rest of the week.
All signs point to a setback – devastating news for a team already thin at the position and struggling to get into any rhythm on offense. TJ Jones will once again suit up in his place, and could have a significant role if Golden Tate is also unavailable.
T Greg Robinson, T Emmett Cleary
The injuries to the Lions offensive line continue to pile up. Although Taylor Decker (shoulder) is eligible to return at any point, he did not practice this week, and appears to be a couple of weeks away from action.
One could make the case that even when Greg Robinson (ankle) is on the field, he really isn’t there. The numbers and the tape agree that Robinson has been a major liability on replacing the injured Taylor Decker at left tackle.
What is scary is that the Lions view Robinson’s backup as an even worse option than Robinson himself. Alas, the Lions will call on Brian Mihalik to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side against one of the leagues most aggressive defenses.
Emmett Cleary, a backup tackle who has played guard this season, is also ruled out.
STATUS: QUESTIONABLE
WR Golden Tate
Arguably one of the Lions toughest players, Tate (shoulder) was limited all week in practice. That’s actually hopeful news, as reports were that he sprained his AC joint against the Saints, typically a multiple week injury.
It would be a surprise and a disappointment if Tate were inactive against the Steelers, but this will truly be a game-time decision.
Worrilow (knee) appears to be trending in the right direction after spraining his MCL several weeks ago. He practiced fully on Thursday and Friday after a limited session on Wednesday. The Lions could use his services if at least for depth along the linebacker position, but he still may be a week away.
Ansah (knee) was limited in practice all week, which is par for the course this season for the defensive end. It is mildly discouraging news, considering after a full week of rest the Lions’ best pass rusher is still not at full strength. This appears to be the new normal for Ansah, who is expected to play.
Next: Pistons trying to find consistency
Steelers Injuries
The Steelers have ruled out three players: T Marcus Gilbert (hamstring), TE Vance McDonald (knee), and DE Stephon Tuitt (back).