The Detroit Lions claimed veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, but Lions fans will have to wait at least until Detroit's next game in Baltimore Dec. 3 to see him in Honolulu blue.
The one day turnaround from waiver claim to ready to play in Detroit's Thanksgiving Day matchup vs. Minnesota wasn't realistic, so Freeney is inactive.
Detroit's defense will welcome the return of defensive end Ziggy Ansah, however. He's missed the last two games with a back injury. Ansah was questionable coming in after being limited in practice all week, but he'll give it a go in this crucial NFC North matchup.
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who was also questionable on Wednesday's injury report, is also playing after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. His return brings speed and playmaking ability to the Lions linebacker unit.
Detroit already knew they'd be without cornerback/return man/sometimes offensive weapon Jamal Agnew because of a knee injury he suffered last Sunday in Chicago. Agnew leads the NFL in punt return average (16.8) and return touchdowns (2). He'll be missed.
Expect to see TJ Jones, Golden Tate or a combination of both returning punts for the Lions today. Ameer Abdullah could return kickoffs.
Joining Freeney, Agnew and Washington on Detroit's inactive list are: Running back Tion Green, guard Don Barclay, guard Emmett Cleary and defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga.
