The Detroit Lions will kick off their game against the New England Patriots in an hour or so. In advance of the start of the game, the Lions have announced their list of inactive players: RB Maurice Morris, RB Mike Bell (he has an illness), RB Jahvid Best, OT Jason Fox, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, DT Nick Fairley and CB Alphonso Smith.
The only surprise on the inactives list is Bell. His illness will keep him out, which is a blow to his hopes of making the team. With Best and Morris out, tonight is a big night for the backup running backs, but Bell won't get a chance to play. This means Aaron Brown (who is set to start), Ian Johnson and Jerome Harrison will really get a chance to show what they've got.
In other lineup news, WR Calvin Johnson is expected to start for the Lions. Fellow receiver Titus Young is active and should get his first playing time of the preseason.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions will start DE Lawrence Jackson in place of Vanden Bosch, who is out with a shoulder injury.