Detroit Lions injury report: Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions have been bit by the injury bug again, leaving them without three key players against the Cleveland Browns.
The Detroit Lions have already ruled out two players, and the availability of three others is also in question as they return to Ford Field to host the Cleveland Browns.
STATUS: OUT
The Lions will play their ninth game of the season on Sunday, and even with the return of starting left tackle Taylor Decker, they will still be unable to field all five starters of their offensive line.
Lang (concussion) suffered a brain injury on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers, and with the short week of preparation, will not be able to clear the NFL concussion protocol in time.
It is unclear who the coaching staff will call on to replace Lang against the Browns. While the recently signed Don Barclay is technically listed as the backup on the team’s depth chart, his limited time with the offense may prevent him from starting.
That leaves the Lions with two other options, both of whom play the tackle position: Emmett Cleary and Brian Mihalik.
Reeves-Maybin (ankle) was unable to practice all week and was declared out for Sunday.
The rookie was showing signs of progress and improvement in recent weeks, as injuries to the linebacker corps gave him plenty of opportunity.
Reeves-Maybin logged 27 defensive snaps agains the Saints in Week 6, 22 snaps against the Steelers in Week 8 and another nine against the Packers on Monday night before leaving with the injury.
Fortunately for the Lions, the rest of the linebackers have healed up recently. Expect Paul Worrilow to be the beneficiary of the available snaps.
STATUS: DOUBTFUL
Ansah. Rinse. Repeat.
What a difference a week makes, eh?
All indications are that Ansah (back), who did not practice at all this week, will miss his first game of the 2017 season.
The concern here is the location of the injury. Ansah has been dealing with knee and ankle issues since the offseason, but has been able to manage them and suit up each week. A back issue is a different story altogether, and the fact that it prevented him from even a limited practice this week is worrisome.
The Lions, who are already thin at the position, will turn to a rotation of Anthony Zettel, Cornelius Washington, Jacques Smith, and Jeremiah Valoaga to make up for Ziggy’s absence.
STATUS: QUESTIONABLE
Golladay (hamstring) has become a mainstay on the Lions injury report, but finally, things seem to be trending up for the rookie, who has not played since Week 3.
The questionable tag comes after Golladay was able to participate in four consecutive limited practices going back to last week. Given the length of the injury and multiple setbacks, Lions fans will take this positive news.
If the Lions elect to activate Golladay for Sunday, it may be for a very limited but crucial role for the offense. In spite of the aerial assault that Matthew Stafford and his primary receivers have launched against recent opponents, the team’s red zone struggles are well-documented.
Bringing back their largest physical target is enticing.
Next: Lions offensive line in flux after Greg Robinson waived-injured
The Lions’ stout special-teamer continues to battle a knee ailment, but like last week, was able to practice through it on a limited basis. He is expected to play on Sunday.