The Lions will be without the services of a few key players when they host the Browns to open the preseason tonight at Ford Field.
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has ruled out defensive end Cliff Avril, running back Jahvid Best (Active/PUP), receiver Ryan Broyles, safety Don Carey, safety Louis Delmas, cornerback Chris Greenwood (Active/PUP), running back Mikel Leshoure, defensive tackle Sammie Hill, offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, and defensive end DE Kyle Vanden Bosch for tonight’s game.
“I haven’t practiced with pads on yet so I don’t know if that would be a good idea,” Avril said Thursday’s about playing tonight. “If I’m not ready there’s no point of me going out there and competing.”
With both starting defensive ends out of the lineup, expect reserve defensive ends Lawrence Jackson and Willie Young to get a good amount of playing time tonight.
Lions receiver Titus Young will not play, either, because of the expected birth of his child.
