Lions vs. Jaguars: Three players ruled out for Detroit

There's good news and bad news for the Detroit Lions for Friday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Let's start with the good news: defensive end Ziggy Ansah and wide receiver Calvin Johnson are both set to make their preseason debut. We knew earlier in the week that Johnson was planning to play, but only now do we know that Ansah is going to play as well.

The bad news is that three players are inactive for the Lions: wide receiver TJ Jones, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and safety James Ihedigbo. Jones' absence is no surprise considering he's still on the PUP list, but it is surprising that Van Noy and Ihedigbo are out. They practiced earlier in the week, and it's unknown why they are out. Perhaps they are dealing with minor injuries that the Lions don't want to make worse in a preseason game, but it's unclear right now.

With Ihedigbo out, the Lions are planning to start Isa Abdul-Quddus at safety alongside Glover Quin. Also, interestingly, the Lions are planning to start Tahir Whitehead at strongside linebacker in place of Ashlee Palmer. And at defensive end, Devin Taylor is going to start even though Ansah is scheduled to play.

One other note on the starting lineup: Corey Hilliard is scheduled to start at right tackle instead of LaAdrian Waddle.

UPDATE: Here's why Van Noy and Ihedigbo aren't playing:

The #Lions are resting Ihedigbo tonight. Van Noy isn't playing because of an abdominal injury.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) August 22, 2014