Report: Dwight Freeney will NOT play vs. Vikings

While Detroit Lions fans were thrilled to see Dwight Freeney claimed by Detroit on Wednesday, it doesn’t appear their new pass rusher will be in the lineup on Thursday. Jim Caldwell reportedly told Stacey Dales of NFL Network that Freeney will not dress for the big Thanksgiving game against the Minnesota Vikings.

While the news surely come as a disappointment, it’s not all that surprising considering the shortened timeline. Freeney had just played a game on Monday with the Seahawks and had less than 24 hours between the time he was claimed and kickoff on Thanksgiving. According to the Detroit Free Press, Freeney had not even completed his physical with the Lions by 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday morning, just four hours before kickoff.

So it looks like the Lions will roll with their current set of players, which may or may not include former Pro Bowler Ezekiel Ansah. Ansah has missed the past two games with a back injury and is listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup. Detroit could use all the help they can get, as their pass rush has been anemic all year and the Vikings have allowed just 10 sacks all year (fewest in the league).