Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah is "optimistic" he will play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a report by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Ziggy Ansah said he's "optimistic" he'll play Sunday vs the 49ers
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 14, 2018
Ansah left Monday night's game with a shoulder injury before the New York Jets started to pile points on the home-team Lions. While he did not return to the game, an MRI revealed no structural damage to the shoulder. Ansah has been limited during each of Detroit's two practices this week. Friday's practice participation report has not been released as of this posting.
It is important to note that Wednesday's practice for the Lions was more of a walkthrough than a full practice. The media were unable to observe, but the team still released an injury report based on whether players would have practiced.
Ansah had four combined tackles and a sack of Jets quarterback Sam Darnold in his limited play during the Lions 48-17 season-opening loss.
Detroit also lost right guard T.J. Lang to a back injury on Monday night. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The 49ers are facing their own problems at right guard. Mike Person and Joshua Garnett are appearing more and more unlikely to play against the Lions on Sunday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said San Francisco will start undrafted free agent rookie Najee Toran should neither be able to go.
Full Friday practice participation reports and game statuses are expected to be released in a few hours.