The Detroit Lions traded for some big-time help on defense this week with the acquisition of defensive tackle Damon 'Snacks' Harrison from the New York Giants. Harrison practiced with the team on Thursday and Friday, and is active today vs. Seattle.
While the addition of Harrison is a big boost for a Lions' defense that ranks 29th against the run, Detroit will again be without Pro Bowl defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who will miss a sixth straight game with a shoulder injury. Ansah hasn't played since suffering the injury in the second quarter of Detroit's Week 1 loss to the New York Jets.
Seattle comes to town with an offense that is No. 7 in the NFL in rushing, with at least 30 carries and 100-plus yards rushing in each of their last four contests.
It's for that reason it is good the Lions will have second-year MIKE linebacker Jarrad Davis active. He was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report due to a calf injury that kept him limited in practice all week. Davis leads the team with 42 tackles on the year.
The Lions ruled out Theo Riddick on Friday due to a knee injury. It will be the second straight contest the Lions won't have their talented pass-catching running back. Ameer Abdullah will likely play the third running back role behind Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount again today.
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Brandon Powell is active for the first time this season. He's on the gameday roster in place of veteran TJ Jones. It will be interesting to see if the Lions elect to use Powell as a punt returner this week. He was good in that role in the preseason, returning a punt for a touchdown in the preseason in Tampa Bay.
Joining Ansah, Riddick and Jones on Detroit's inactive list today are: Defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr., tackle Andrew Donnal, guard Joe Dahl, and cornerback Lenzy Pipkins.
