Brandon Pettigrew not practicing
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Detroit won 40-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is looking more-and-more unlikely to play in this week’s game against the New York Giants, as he was spotted on crutches yesterday after suffering an ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Pettigrew’s ankle injury is definitely more serious than initially thought, since he is on crutches. He obviously didn’t practice yesterday, and the Detroit News’s Chris McCosky is reporting that Pettigrew isn’t practicing today either.
Tomorrow’s session will make-or-break Pettigrew’s Week 16 status, and I would be beyond shocked if he plays this week. He’s on crutches, he’s not practicing today, and the ankle injury just seems way too serious. Even though Pettigrew isn’t a key part of the Lions offense, he is a solid player who has a penchant for making timely catches and has been trusted by Matthew Stafford in key situations this season. With 41 receptions and 416 yards, Pettigrew is also a more-than-capable chain-mover in the Lions explosive offense.
Consider Pettigrew doubtful for this week’s tilt against the Giants, and his absence will increase Joseph Fauria’s chances of getting red zone targets. Although Fauria doesn’t get thrown at much outside of the red zone, he has been a monster inside the opponents 20 and has shown plenty of promise this season. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz wasn’t optimistic about Pettigrew’s status yesterday, so it’s safe to pencil in Fauria as the Lions starting TE this week until further notice.