Lions injury updates: T.J. Lang, Ezekiel Ansah return to practice; Matthew Stafford looks ‘perfectly fine’

The Detroit Lions are finally facing their first real must-win on Sunday, and it appears they may be healthier than expected.

During Friday’s practice, only right tackle Rick Wagner was missing. Although he is not expected to play this week, T.J. Lang and Travis Swanson very well could play. Lang returned to practice on Friday after missing the two previous days with a toe injury. Swanson did not play last week, but has now practiced for three straight days.

Additionally, the Lions got Ezekiel Ansah back at practice on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury. While his status for the Buccaneers game is still up for grabs, this is obviously a trend in the right direction.

Of course, the most concerning injury on the report is always quarterback Matthew Stafford. But if Friday’s practice is any indication, Stafford should be ready to go on Sunday. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press called his play “perfectly fine” during practice. MLive’s Nate Atkins went a step further:

So things are looking a little more optimistic for the Lions this week. They could have four of five starters on the offensive line, and it looks like a near certainty that Stafford will give it ago this week.

Game statuses are due later on Friday. So we’ll know more about these specific situations later in the day.