The latest sponsor to partner with the SB Nation NFL blogs is Vicks. Their campaign, perhaps too fittingly for Lions fans, is focused around injury news, both from the past and the present. Some blogs are taking a look back at players who have powered through the pain, whereas others are focusing on current injuries and players that need to power through. Since injuries have been such a hot topic for the Lions, I decided to focus on players currently banged up for this week.
As we all know, Matthew Stafford and Jason Hanson are out for the foreseeable future. Both missed practice on Wednesday, as did Kevin Smith, Stephen Peterman, Cliff Avril, Corey Williams and Isaiah Ekejiuba. Smith is resting his knee like he did last week, so he should play on Sunday in Buffalo. The same goes for Corey Williams, who missed practice to rest. Peterman is dealing with a foot injury and Avril is dealing with a hip issue. Like last week, Ekejiuba is still recovering from a knee injury.
Three players who have powered through the pain so far this week are Shaun Hill, Chris Houston and C.C. Brown. Hill is still recovering from a broken left forearm, but he has been named this week's starter at quarterback. Houston actually dislocated his shoulder during the Jets game and briefly returned after having it popped back into place. He practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday. Brown's status for Sunday isn't quite as certain, as he was limited during practice because of a knee injury, but he did take part in the individual drills.
It's still a bit early in the week to know who will end up powering through for the Lions, but I think it's safe to say Hill has an edge for being featured in future inclinations of this post. The fact that he has worked his way back from a broken arm in a matter of weeks to be the starter with Stafford down is remarkable, and I commend him for powering through. Hopefully on Sunday he not only powers through, but is also effective, because the Lions will need him to play well in order to end their lengthy road losing streak.