Lions-Steelers inactives: Golden Tate, Jace Billingsley ACTIVE for ‘Sunday Night Football’

The big question heading into tonight’s “Sunday Night Football” matchup was whether Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate would be ready for action after suffering a shoulder injury in the second half during their last game against the New Orleans Saints.

Tate’s injury has recovered much quicker than we all expected, and it was reported even before the inactives were listed that he was planning to suit up on Sunday night. Tate was officially listed as “Questionable” on the injury report, but will be ACTIVE. With Golladay out, this is huge for the Lions’ offense.

Starting safety Glover Quin also had a scary injury against the Saints and was sent through concussion protocol, but he had been a full participant in their last practice and there wasn’t really any doubt that he would be available for such an important prime time game.

Also listed as “Questionable” for the Lions on this week’s report was defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and linebacker Paul Worrilow. Ansah will be ACTIVE against the Steelers, but Worrilow has been listed as INACTIVE.

Left tackle Greg Robinson had already been ruled OUT earlier in the week, so starting at LT for the Lions will be Brian Mihalik. This will be his first career start and only his seventh career NFL game.

The Pride of Winnemucca, Jace Billingsley, will also make his first appearance of the season for the Lions.

For the Steelers, all eyes were on linebacker T.J. Watt who has had a phenomenal start to his rookie campaign, but managed to tweak his ankle during Friday’s practice. He will be ACTIVE, but may see some limited snaps against he Lions.

Lions inactives

RB Zach Zenner
RB Tion Green
LB Paul Worrilow
OL Emmett Cleary
OT Greg Robinson
WR Kenny Golladay
CB Teez Tabor

Steelers inactives

QB Joshua Dobbs
WR Martavis Bryant
CB Brian Allen
OT Jerald Hawkins
OT Marcus Gilbert
TE Vance McDonald
DE Stephon Tuitt