Detroit Lions: Chris Houston, Cliff Avril Injured in Loss to Vikings

Chris Houston and Cliff Avril both sustained injuries in the Detroit Lions' 34-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.

Cornerback Chris Houston sprained his ankle on Adrian Peterson’s 61-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Houston expects to be fine going forward, but he does think the Vikings were deliberately trying to injure him, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

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"A lineman just fell on my ankle on purpose,” Houston said. “I went to cut him and he was flying open and as he went down he put both his knees on my ankle on purpose. But it’s part of the game. I’ll be OK."

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Houston was examined by Detroit’s medical staff and walked off the field. The 28-year-old has 33 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception in seven games this season.

Defensive end Cliff Avril left early in the third quarter after suffering a concussion and will have to pass medical tests before being cleared to play next week, according to Anwar S. Richardson of MLive.com.

Avril made a big play in the first half when he batted a pass back into Christian Ponder’s arms and then tackled the quarterback for a 15-yard loss.

Avril did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was limited on Friday because of a back injury. He was listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s game, but was able to start.

The 26-year-old is in his fifth year out of Purdue and has 20 tackles and four-and-a-half sacks in eight games this season.