The Detroit Lions have placed DE Ziggy Ansah on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to open training camp in what is believed to be a precautionary measure.
#Lions placed RE Ziggy Ansah (ankle) on the active/PUP list. His absence is considered precautionary. #NFL
— Drew Boylhart (@DrewBoylhart) July 30, 2017
Additionally, the Lions placed G Brandon Thomas on the PUP list, while CB Teez Tabor and OT Cyrus Kouandjio were activated from the non-football injury list and are set to practice with the team. Meanwhile, OT Greg Robinson and DE Cornelius Washington started camp with non-football injuries.
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) rushes against Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsThe Lions signed Kouandjio after left tackle Taylor Decker tore the labrum in his right shoulder during OTAs and underwent surgery. They also traded for Robinson from the Rams to offset the loss.
Players on the PUP list are ineligible to to practice until they’ve been formally activated. Ansah was held out of drills during spring workouts. He missed three games last season with a high-ankle sprain and played hurt most of the season after returning to the team. He finished with a career low two sacks.
Should he remain on the PUP list to start the regular season, it would mean he’d be held out of the team’s first six games of the schedule. This is the final year of his rookie contract. Back in March, he Lions were reportedly working on a possible contract extension with the former BYU standout and No. 5 overall pick, but nothing has yet to come to fruition on that front.
The defensive line will be a real point of emphasis, and possible concern, for the Lions in 2017. Ansah is one of four defensive lineman for the Lions that are beginning camp on the PUP list. Among them is Armonty Bryant, who Detroit will be without for the first four games of the season as he serves a a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
