Thursday open thread: Which return from injury is the most significant for the Lions?

The Detroit Lions have been overwhelmed with injuries since just a few weeks into the season. The injuries have spanned several positions and plagued both sides of the ball. To illustrate just how bad the Lions have had it, last week’s injury report featured nine Lions players—six of which did not play—while Washington had just two players listed.

However, the Lions are finally turning a corner. On Wednesday alone, the Lions had four players return to practice after each had missed at least the last two games. Eric Ebron, Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and Haloti Ngata all participated in at least a limited fashion. While none of these players are guaranteed to play against the Houston Texans this week, this is still a promising fact for a depleted Lions roster.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Which return from injury is the most significant for the Detroit Lions?

My answer: Eric Ebron. I nearly said Theo Riddick, as the Lions have suffered immensely in the running game ever since both Riddick and Ameer Abdullah were sidelined with injury. However, I think Ebron could actually help the Lions’ running game more than Riddick. Detroit has desperately tried to compensate Ebron’s absence with a sixth offensive lineman or Clay Harbor, who was added to the team just a few weeks ago. Ebron’s blocking is an underrated part of his game and nothing made that more clear than his three week absence. And lest we not forget, through four games Ebron was the team’s second-leading receiver. Matthew Stafford could always use another weapon.

Your turn. Vote in the poll below.