Chris

Houston

Houston took a pain-killing shot in the first half, but he was unable to play press coverage once the effect wore off late in the game. The injury is a long-term concern, as it’s to the same shoulder that was twice separated in 2010. Detroit’s top cornerback, Houston is signed through the 2012 season.

Lions FS Louis Delmas (knee) is also doubtful, and like Houston, did not get in a practice this week. The Lions’ pass defense is going to be awfully short-handed against the Saints’ No. 1 passing offense. It’s a major mismatch.

Houston, the Lions’ No. 1 corner, fully expects to make his return from his Grade 2 MCL sprain this week. It’s a major boost, especially with fellow corners Aaron Berry (shoulder) and Eric Wright (hamstring) in doubt for Sunday.

The Lions originally called his removal a coach’s decision, but changed it to a knee injury in the fourth quarter. It’s not clear yet if he injured the same knee that has sidelined him since Thanksgiving.

After carrying his arm awkwardly toward the sideline, Houston was quickly sent to the locker room. The Lions can ill-afford to lose their top cornerback against Drew Brees and the league’s hottest offense. Houston returned to the game in the middle of the second quarter.

Clearly diminished as he tried to play through his torn MCL, Houston was removed from the game early in the second half. The Lions got torched by Carson Palmer both with and without Houston on the field, and can expect similar results against Philip Rivers and the Chargers on Saturday if Houston doesn’t make significant progress during the week.

Houston appeared to be in severe pain as he spiked his helmet into the ground on the sideline. The Lions now have Aaron Berry in at right corner and Eric Wright at left corner, with Brandon McDonald in the slot.

Houston’s tear is Grade 2, similar to Matt Forte’s injury. Both players are expected to return this season, though this week’s game is in doubt. The Vikings may not be able to take advantage of the matchup upgrade with Christian Ponder’s (hip) status in doubt.

Houston was shown being attended to on the sideline by the Lions’ training staff and is questionable to return. Bill Bentley started at right cornerback over Jacob Lacey and was also removed from the game with a shoulder injury.

The right ankle sprain Houston sustained against the Vikings last week was of the Grade 1 variety. The Lions certainly need their top cover corner healthy against the Packers this week.