With running back Dwayne Washington (hip) already ruled out for today's contest vs. the Bears, veteran Zach Zenner could be Detroit's short yardage and goal line back in Chicago.
Washington was ruled out Friday and is inactive, and the Lions have stuck with their formula of keeping three running backs active on gameday. Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick and Zenner are the three. Washington and rookie Tion Green are inactive.
Zenner's played in four games this season, and has rushed 10 times for 16 yards (1.6 average) with a goal line touchdown.
The Lions will also be without starting defensive end Ziggy Ansah for the second consecutive game. He hasn't played or practiced since injuring his back in a win over Green Bay two weeks ago. Expect veteran Cornelius Washington to fill his spot opposite Anthony Zettel upfront at defensive end.
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (ankle) and safety Don Carey (knee) were listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. Carey, one of the best special teams players in the league, is active after missing the last two games. Reeves-Maybin, who was limited in practice all week, will miss his second straight contest. He was still limping through the portion of practice open to the media this week.
For the first time this season, the Lions have all five starters healthy and active along their offensive line. Left tackle Taylor Decker, left guard Graham Glasgow, center Travis Swanson, right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Rick Wagner are all active for the first time all year.
In fact, Dwayne Washington is the only injury-related scratch on the offensive side of the football today.
Joining Washington, Ansah, Green and Reeves-Maybin on Detroit's inactive list are guard Emmett Cleary, guard Don Barclay and receiver Jace Billingsley.
