Lions short-handed on line
By MARK GAUGHAN
News Sports Reporter
10/12/2006
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Associated Press
Detroit's Damien Woody won't be hugging teammates for awhile.
The Detroit Lions are expected to be without two starting offensive linemen Sunday when they meet the Buffalo Bills.
The Lions put veteran guard Damien Woody on injured reserve Wednesday because of a sprained foot. Woody was injured against Minnesota last week, and his absence puts the right side of the Lions' line in flux.
Rex Tucker, who started one game at right tackle this year, remains out with a knee injury. He's listed as questionable but is considered likely to miss the game. Guard Ross Verba also is injured and is unlikely to play. He would be the fill-in for Woody. Instead, the Lions likely will start rookie sixth-round draft pick Jonathan Scott at right tackle, and move veteran Barry Stokes to right guard. Stokes started only one game the previous two years but has been pressed into service for two starts so far this year.
Three other Lions who opened the season as starters are out: defensive tackle Shaun Cody, strong safety Kenoy Kennedy and strong-side linebacker Alex Lewis.
Meanwhile, Lions top receiver Roy Williams, bothered by a sore shoulder and back, is listed as probable. The Lions elevated Devale Ellis from the practice squad.
The Bills tried out five defensive tackles Wednesday. There is a good chance they will add one to the active roster this week in the wake of the injury to John McCargo, who broke his foot.
Linebacker Takeo Spikes again is listed as questionable but was more optimistic about his status after practicing fully.
"I had a pretty decent day of practice," Spikes said. "I got more confidence out of today than I've had probably in the past month. So that's a plus. I'm not even worrying about Sunday. I'm taking it day by day."
Cornerback Nate Clements (quadriceps) sat out practice. He's questionable, as is guard Chris Villarrial, who did practice.
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