Shaun

Cody

Cody, a talented second-round pick a year ago, replaces Dan Wilkinson in the starting lineup. His speed is better than that of Wilkinson’s, so he’s seen as a better fit in Rod Marinelli’s up-tempo defense.

They don’t seem to view nose tackle as a need. “A lot of people think you need a big nose,” Kubiak said. “Those two guys aren’t very big but they’re very active ... and we think the world of ‘em.” Cody started all 16 games in 2011, but split time with Mitchell right down the middle. Mitchell finished with 27 tackles and a sack, and had another sack in the playoffs.

Cody sustained damage to one of his disks in the Texans’ preseason opener. He needed an epidural to relieve the pain. Earl Mitchell will run with the ones at nose tackle going forward.

Cody left the game and returned after sustaining the injury. Coach Gary Kubiak termed Cody as “day-to-day” with his injuries. “Shaun has always been able to work through things,” Kubiak said Wednesday in his daily news conference. Cody dealt with a back injury earlier this season, but he didn’t miss any regular-season games because of it.

Coach Gary Kubiak refused to shed light on the procedure, offering only that it was for “rib issues.” Asked if Cody’s lung was indeed punctured, Kubiak replied, “I’m not a doctor.” Cody denied Thursday that his lung was punctured. The rotational lineman is out indefinitely.

Cody, 30, had “microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery for a lumbar disc herniation.” He suffered the injury during the preseason, but went on to play in 13 games. Cody missed three games after reportedly suffering broken ribs and a punctured lung in Week 9. It’s uncertain if the Texans will try to re-sign him. Cody has consistently graded out in the bottom half of Pro Football Focus’ end-of-the-year rankings.

Mike Williams is the only unsigned Lions rookie now. Cody, a USC standout, is the subject of a reality show currently airing on Spike TV in which he chooses his agent.

Cody will back up Cory Redding as the Lions’ three-technique tackle this season. A former second-round pick, Cody has yet to live up to expectations.

The Hawaii product is considered a player with uncanny potential. Francis is penciled in as Dewayne White’s top backup at left defensive end, but could also see time at under tackle if Shaun Cody continues to underachieve.