Nate Burleson won’t play Sunday
The Lions on Friday officially ruled out Burleson for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. He returned to practice this week after breaking his forearm in a September car crash.
Burleson met with his doctors Friday and was not in the locker room during media access after practice.
“I’ve been in 11 years and I know that being smart and listening to the doctors versus having that competitive stupidity behind you is the route to go,” Burleson said earlier this week. “So I’m going to be smart and listen to everybody else around me.”
With Burleson out, Jeremy Ross and potentially tight end Joseph Fauria likely will see his snaps in the slot.
Detroit also likely will be without starting defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who injured his ankle against Dallas. Ansah, nickelback Bill Bentley and right tackle Corey Hilliard are doubtful for Sunday.
None of the three practiced this week.
If Ansah doesn’t play, 2013 fourth-round pick Devin Taylor or former Bear Israel Idonije likely will start in his place. Austen Lane, a veteran signed this week, also could see snaps.
“He’s played well in every role we’ve given him this year,” coach Jim Schwartz said of Taylor. “He’s affected games and that’s what we expected when we drafted him where we did. When Jason Jones went down, he needed to step up.
“If we need him to step up more, we think he’s capable of doing that.”