ALLEN PARK — The Lions will be without three key players when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Middle linebacker Jarrad Davis (concussion), safety Tavon Wilson (shoulder) and running back Dwayne Washington (quad) have officially been ruled out. They did not practice today (Friday) and it was the third straight practice each of them has missed.
Defensive end Ziggy Ansah (knee), center Travis Swanson (ankle) and Joe Dahl (lower leg) are questionable. Swanson hasn’t practiced all week while Ansah and Dahl have been limited.
It’s likely that without Swanson, Graham Glasgow will move to center from left guard. Dahl could start at left guard if he’s healthy.
Without Wilson in the secondary, expect Miles Killebrew to get more snaps.
It’s possible Paul Worrilow will step in at middle linebacker for Davis. Or Whitehead could take the role that he had last year. All linebackers learn all three positions for situations like this. Also likely that rookie Jalen Reeves-Maybin will see more action.
Running back Zach Zenner, who has been inactive for the first two games, will see his first action with Washington out. In the final five regular season games in 2016, he had 51 carries for 225 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
ALSO, Jim Caldwell said today that captains on Sunday will be Tahir Whitehead, Golden Tate and Miles Killebrew on special teams.
Lions Lowdown 