ALLEN PARK — Ziggy Ansah once again did not practice on Wednesday.
The Lions defensive end, who has a wonky shoulder, was able to practice on a limited basis all last week. It appeared he was trending to be active Sunday against the Patriots, but instead missed his second straight game. Romeo Okwara started in his place the past two weeks.
It’s unknown if he had a setback at practice last week but it seems like a possibility.
Coach Matt Patricia would not address Ansah’s injury specifically on Wednesday morning. “As far as I’m concerned, whoever’s out there and ready to go, we’re ready to go. It doesn’t really matter for us. So, week-in and week-out, if the guys are healthy and they can go out there and help us win, that’s what they’re going to do,” Patricia said in his Wednesday press conference.
“Ziggy’s great. He’s working extremely hard and he’s doing everything we’re asking him to do and I have the utmost respect for his work ethic and what he’s trying to do to help us in all those situations. But so is everybody,” Patricia said. “Everybody has to be ready to go whether you’re active or inactive or you’re out there for a play and you get hurt, or somebody else has to step in, it doesn’t matter. It’s about team football, team defense. And that’s our focus.”
Ansah, a first-round pick in 2013, has been fighting injuries for the past few seasons, although he played in 14 games in 2017 (12 sacks) and 13 in 2016 (2 sacks). His best season was 2015 when he was played all 16 games, finished with 14.5 sacks (third in hte NFL) and was elected to the Pro Bowl.
Tight end Michael Roberts (knee) also did not practice. Roberts apparently injured his knee in practice last week. He was a full participant last Wednesday and Thursday, then was limited on Friday and was inactive for Sunday’s game.
The Lions (1-2), coming off a big win over the Patriots, will play at the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
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