Detroit Lions inactives: Golden Tate will play vs. Steelers
By Zac Snyder
Gameday inactives have been announced for Sunday Night Football between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. See who will play and who is out tonight.
The Detroit Lions were hurting as they went into their bye last week. Some health returned, notably safety Glover Quin who suffered a concussion in the loss to the New Orleans Saints in week six, but others aren’t yet ready to return against the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.
Offensive linemen Emmett Cleary (ankle) and Greg Robinson (ankle) and wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hamstring) were ruled out by the Lions on the final injury report of the week that was released on Friday afternoon.
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A possible return for Golladay looked better early in the week when he was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday but that was his only practice action of the week. Cleary and Robinson were not able to practice at all this week.
Those three being ruled out left four inactive spots left to fill for week eight. Ziggy Ansah (knee), Paul Worrilow (knee) and Golden Tate (shoulder) were the only other players whose status was left in doubt on the final injury report. All three were listed as questionable to play. Ansah and Tate had a full week of practice but were limited each day. Worrilow returned to full participant status for Thursday and Friday.
Despite an initial report that Golden Tate would miss time, it seems the bye week was all he needed. Tate is active and will play tonight.
Golladay, Robinson and Cleary will be joined on the Lions sideline in street clothes by running back Tion Green, running back Zach Zenner, cornerback Teez Tabor and Paul Worrilow.
That also means that Jace Billingsley, who was added to the 53-man roster this week, will make the game day active roster for the first time in his career. With Tate able to play and Billingsley active, the Lions will have five wide receivers dressed tonight.
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Offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (hamstring), tight end Vance McDonald (knee) and defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt (back) were ruled out by the Steelers. Disgruntled wide receiver Martavis Bryant was added to that list early when the decision was made that he would not play. Rounding out the Steelers inactives for tonight are quarterback Joshua Dobbs, cornerback Brian Allen and offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins.