Lions-Saints inactives: Matthew Stafford officially ACTIVE; Lang, Golladay OUT

After suffering an ankle injury to the Carolina Panthers last week, Matthew Stafford was visibly limping and in pain, enduring shot after shot from the terrifying Panthers defensive line. Despite being listed as “Questionable” on this week’s injury report, there was never any doubt whether Stafford would be available against the New Orleans Saints. It takes a lot more than a minor ankle injury to keep him out of the game.

Starting offensive linemen, Rick Wagner (shoulder) and T.J. Lang (back) were also listed as “Questionable” this week. Wagner will be ACTIVE as expected, but Lang is a surprise INACTIVE today. Both players participated in limited practice this week, but Lang still appears to be dealing with some serious back issues. Tim Lelito will most likely fill in for Lang at right guard.

After being listed as “Out” on last week’s injury report, Kenny Golladay (hamstring) has made some improvements and was listed as “Questionable” this week, but it appears that he’s still not quite ready yet to see the field and will be INACTIVE against the Saints. The Lions’ offense will continue to turn to TJ Jones and Jared Abbrederis in Golladay’s absence.

Also listed as “Questionable” on the injury report were defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and running back Dwayne Washington. Ansah will be ACTIVE for today’s matchup, while Washington is listed as INACTIVE for the fourth straight week.

For the Saints, starting left tackle Terron Armstead’s status (shoulder) had been up in the air heading into Sunday’s matchup. He will be ACTIVE for the first time this year.

Lions inactives

WR Kenny Golladay
OG TJ Lang
DE Cornelius Washington
RB Tion Green
RB Dwayne Washington
DT Datone Jones
LB Paul Worrilow

Saints inactives

QB Taysom HIll
WR Austin Carr
WR Tommylee Lewis
CB Sterling Moore
LB Gerald Hodges
OL John Greco
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad