Lions mum on possible returns of Pettigrew, Bostic

Detroit – The Detroit Lions could get some reinforcements in the coming week, but don’t expect coach Jim Caldwell to confirm the potential returns of tight end Brandon Pettigrew or linebacker Jon Bostic.

Pettigrew, who has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last December, is on the physically unable to perform list. He’s eligible to return to practice this week. Once he begins practicing, the team will have three weeks to either add him to the active roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Bostic, who required surgery after suffering a foot injury the second week of training camp, is on injured reserve. He’s also eligible to return to practice, but can’t be activated until after eight weeks.

Teams can only bring back one player from injured reserve each season. Running back Ameer Abdullah could also be an option for the Lions, but since he can’t return until Week 11, it seems less likely.

Asked about both players during his Monday news conference, Caldwell gave canned responses.

“We’ll see,” Caldwell said. “We have to look at all aspects of it. There’s a lot of stuff to consider.”

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The Lions have battled depth issues at tight end and linebacker all season and getting back experienced veterans such as Pettigrew and Bostic could provide a significant boost.

In addition to those two players, the Lions also have Corey Fuller on PUP, but with Marvin Jones, Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin performing at a high level, there’s not a pressing need at wide receiver.