Reiff, Ansah, Levy among Lions' starters missing practice

Allen Park – The Detroit Lions’ good fortunes with health have taken a sharp downward turn heading into the team’s Week 3 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

On Wednesday, eight players missed practice, including six starters. Tight end Eric Ebron (back), offensive tackle Riley Reiff (ankle), defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker (calf), defensive ends Ziggy Ansah (ankle) and Wallace Gilberry (abdomen) and linebackers DeAndre Levy (quad), Antwione Williams (hamstring) and Kyle Van Noy (calf) all sat out the session.

That’s in addition to running back Ameer Abdullah, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day following foot surguery.

The situation at linebacker is particularly dire, with just two healthy options on the active roster. The team can also turn to defensive end Brandon Copeland in a pinch.

“He’s just one of those guys that’s had familiarity with both spots well enough where we can adapt and use him in both situations, which you saw over the weekend,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “Anticipate that he has a possibility of doing both.”

The Lions also have two practice squad options in Steve Longa and Zaviar Gooden, which they could promote as late in the week as Saturday.

Longa, an undrafted rookie, signed with the team just prior to the start of the regular season after spending the offseason with the Seattle Seahawks.

Gooden is a former third-round draft pick who was with the Lions during the preseason. He re-signed with the team on Wednesday.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

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