Louis

Delmas

Playing at less than 100 percent, Delmas made 10 tackles in Detroit’s Wild Card loss to the Saints, but missed the final five games of the regular season after tearing his right MCL on Thanksgiving and undergoing arthroscopic surgery on December 17. He’ll be full-go for OTAs.

It’s not clear exactly when the procedure was performed, but it was just a simple scope. Delmas has been out since Thanksgiving after tearing his MCL. His backup, Chris Harris, sustained a concussion Sunday, leaving the Lions short-handed at safety.

Delmas figures to be rusty in his first game since Thanksgiving, but he’s still a major upgrade on speed-challenged Chris Harris. Kevin Smith (ankle, knee) and Calvin Johnson (Achilles) are active, as expected. Lions inactives: QB Drew Stanton, RB Joique Bell, OG Leonard Davis, DT Andre Fluellen, LB Doug Hogue, CB Brandon McDonald, and S Chris Harris.

The Lions are trying to get their starting free safety in shape for the postseason after he tore his right MCL on Thanksgiving and underwent arthroscopic surgery on December 17. Delmas’ injury is one of many that led to a rough December for the Lions’ pass defense. Chris Harris will make another start against the Packers.

Delmas is questionable to return and headed back to the locker room for further testing. Chris Harris has come on at free safety.

Former Bears starter Chris Harris is expected to fill in as the starter. Upgrade the passing games of the Saints and Vikings the next two weeks, as Harris allowed a 65-yard touchdown to James Jones while filling in for Delmas in the second half. It’s the same type of play that led to his release from the Bears earlier in the season.

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.

Coach Jim Schwartz calls him the “soul” of the defense. Delmas wasn’t the only defensive back injured late in the season, but it’s worth noting that the Lions’ passing yards allowed went from 211 yards in the first 10 games to 332 yards in the final six. Delmas will have his hands full with Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston on Saturday night.

Berry and FS Louis Delmas (knee) both worked with the first-team nickel defense in Tuesday’s practice. The Lions desperately need the reinforcements after surrendering a franchise-record 480 yards to Matt Flynn in Week 17.

Delmas is set to earn just $937,250 in 2012, the final year of his rookie contract. As the most important piece of the Lions’ secondary, there’s almost no way the organization lets him get away. If a long-term deal can’t be hammered out, expect the tag. This year’s tag number for safeties was $6.2 million.