Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) plans to play Sunday despite missing practices
Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush plans to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons despite missing practice Thursday and Friday with a sprained ankle, Bush told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Bush, 29, has been limited since spraining his ankle in Detroit's Week 5 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He did not play in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings and was limited to four carries and five catches for a combined 32 yards from scrimmage last week against the New Orleans Saints.
In six games this season, Bush has rushed 49 times for 171 yards and one touchdown and caught 25 passes for 164 yards.
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson's status is still uncertain after he missed the team's last two games with a sprained ankle. Even before missing those games, Johnson could only be used as a decoy the two previous weeks due to the injury.
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Birkett also reported the team is expected to be without tight ends Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle). Head coach Jim Caldwell said tight end Brandon Pettigrew (foot) could miss the game as well.
Injuries have limited Detroit's offense throughout the season. After finishing last season No. 6 in total yards, the Lions have fallen to No. 24 this season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is on pace to complete 363 passes, which would be the lowest total over a full season in his career.
The team's defense, though, has improved from No. 16 in yards allowed to No. 1 this season.
Detroit has opened the season 5-2 and is tied for first place in the NFC North.
The Lions play the Falcons at 9:30 a.m. ET in London on Sunday.
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- Paul Palladino
