Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez debate why the Lions should and should not tank the rest of the season, and preview Panthers game, Nov. 15, 2018.
Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press
Two defensive linemen who were questionable for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers will play for the Detroit Lions.
Both Damon Harrison and Ziggy Ansah are active for the Lions after they were limited in practice this week by shoulder injuries.
Harrison has 20 tackles and one sack in three games since the Lions acquired him in a trade with the New York Giants. Ansah (two sacks) has played sparingly this year and primarily in a pass-rushing role as he’s dealt with his shoulder injury most of the season.
The Lions are without one of their top defensive line, tackle A’Shawn Robinson, because of a sprained ankle, and wide receiver Marvin Jones (knee) and tight end Michael Roberts (shoulder) also are out with injuries.
With Jones out, TJ Jones will play as the Lions’ No. 2 receiver, and the newly-acquired Bruce Ellington will see time in the slot.
Ellington signed as a free agent last week after he was released off injured reserve by the Houston Texans. Undrafted rookie receiver Brandon Powell is inactive, so Ellington also will handle some returns.
Along with Powell, Jones, Robinson and Roberts, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal, defensive end Eric Lee and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard are inactive for the Lions (3-6).
Wide receiver Torrey Smith will miss his fourth straight game because of a knee injury for the Panthers (6-3).
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