With Tom Brady and the potent New England Patriots' offense in town Sunday night, the Detroit Lions couldn't afford to be too short-handed on defense.
The news is both good and bad for the Lions on that front.
Cornerback Darius Slay, who was questionable coming into the game after suffering a concussion last week in San Francisco, is active. Slay made it through the concussion protocol after participating in practice Friday.
Slay is Detroit's best pass defender and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Detroit won't have the services of their best pass rusher, Ziggy Ansah, for a second consecutive week. Ansah hasn't played since injuring a shoulder in the second quarter in the season opening loss to the Jets. He was limited all week in practice, and isn't ready for game action.
The Lions recorded six sacks, all from their linebackers, last week in San Francisco, so they might have to be creative with their rush once again this week.
Some good news for the Lions' offense is they get guard T.J. Lang back tonight after he missed last week's game with a back injury. Lang took part in practice all three days this week.
Detroit will also have the services of wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., who was a late add to the injury report this week due to an ankle injury. He's good to go.
The Lions won't have tight end Michael Roberts, who also showed up on the injury report late this week with a knee injury. He's coming off a game last week that saw him collect his first NFL touchdown. Hakeem Valles is active in his place.
Joining Ansah and Roberts on Detroit's inactive last are: Running back Ameer Abdullah, defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr., guard Joe Dahl, tackle Andrew Donnal and wide receiver Brandon Powell.
