Ziggy Ansah not expected to play this week

Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions rookie pass rusher Ziggy Ansah was able to practice yesterday, but he was clearly hobbled and didn’t seem to put in a good practice. Ansah suffered a high-ankle sprain in the team’s Week 8 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and hasn’t played since. Week 9 was a bye, but Ansah wasn’t able to play last week and looks doubtful for tomorrow afternoon’s contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Lions have more than enough talent on defense to deal without the explosive pass rusher, especially with the way Willie Young has been playing.

Ansah is officially listed questionable on the Lions injury report after participating in practice yesterday, but that seems to be a generous tag. Again, he was severely hobbled during yesterday’s practice, and I would honestly consider him highly questionable (like doubtful, even) for tomorrow’s game.

The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett believes that we shouldn’t expect to see Ziggy Ansah out there on Sunday, and I would definitely take his word for it. Not only is he an excellent beat writer, but it seems like all indications are pointing to another week of rest for Ansah and his sprained, left ankle. Beyond that, current starter Devin Taylor has outplayed Ansah this season, so it seems like Ansah could very well be a backup once he comes back. Ansah has plenty of promise and upside, but he clearly has issues with his technique and is as raw as we thought coming into the draft. He’s flashed plenty of times this season and could end up being a star player, but it looks like Taylor is the more productive pass rusher right now.

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