Injuries have kept a number of Detroit Lions players out of practice the last couple of weeks, and now the injuries are going to keep a number of players from giving it a go on Friday in the preseason opener. The Lions will take on the Cincinnati Bengals likely without more than 10 players, including a few potential starters.
Via Chris McCosky, here is the list of players likely out for Friday's game:
- RB Maurice Morris (hand)
- RB Mikel Leshoure (Achilles)
- WR Titus Young (hamstring)
- TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle)
- OT Jason Fox (foot)
- OT Jeff Backus (pectoral)
- OT Tony Ugoh (undisclosed)
- DT Andre Fluellen (hand)
- DT Nick Fairley (foot)
- CB Aaron Berry (groin)
- CB Alphonso Smith (foot)
- S Randy Phillips (shoulder)
Obviously it's disappointing that this many players are probably going to miss the preseason opener, but hopefully as time goes on the injury list will get smaller. There are still three exhibition games left after the one on Friday, so there will be plenty of opportunities for players currently injured to see the field before the end of the preseason.