Lions lose Ezekiel Ansah, Ameer Abdullah to injuries against Titans

The Detroit Lions didn’t only lose the game against the Tennessee Titans, they may have lost several playmakers, especially on defense. On a day in which the Lions were already without star linebacker DeAndre Levy, it only took two plays before they lost another defensive star. Ezekiel Ansah left with an ankle injury and did not return.

But the Lions were especially hurting at linebacker. Coming into the game with just four players at the position dressed for the game, the Lions quickly lost Antwione Williams to thigh injury. Then later in the second half, Kyle Van Noy pulled up limp in a non-contact injury and did not return.

The Lions were down to just two linebackers and were forced to bring Brandon Copeland back to linebacker. Copeland had been playing defensive end all year, but had experience at linebacker last season.

As the defensive injuries piled up, the Titans slowly started to pick apart the Lions defense, eventually leading the team to an 83-yard game-winning touchdown drive.

This Lions were also a little banged up on offense. Ameer Abdullah left the game after a couple of huge dekes resulted in a foot injury. Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington covered for Abdullah the rest of the game with decent results.

Additionally, Eric Ebron (concussion protocol) and Riley Reiff (ankle) both briefly left the game, but both players returned before the game ended.

Jim Caldwell did not provide any substantial updates on the injuries in his postgame press conference.

UPDATE: Abdullah was spotted in a walking boot, per Adam Schefter: