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Lions down 4 starters, Pettigrew not ready

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew returned to practice on Tuesday, nearly 11 months after tearing his ACL

Allen Park — Even though he was eligible to return to practice, there was no sign of Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew during Wednesday’s session.

Out since last December after tearing his ACL, Pettigrew started the season on the physically unable to perform list. He’s eligible to begin practicing any time within the next six weeks. If he’s not medically cleared by the end of that window, he must be placed on season-ending injured reserve or be released.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he had nothing to report on Pettigrew’s status.

The Lions’ other player who started the season on PUP, wide receiver Corey Fuller, did practice. Detroit now has three weeks to either activate him, release him or place him on injured reserve.

In addition to the PUP players, the Lions were without four starters on Wednesday. Tight end Eric Ebron, linebacker DeAndre Levy, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and running back Theo Riddick were out. Ebron was running on the side with a trainer indicating he’s nearing a return.

Returning to practice was guard Larry Warford, who missed last weekend’s game with a hip injury. Also practicing was center Travis Swanson, who suffered a hand injury on the final play against the Rams.

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers

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