Brandon Pettigrew, Nick Fairley Doubtful for Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Detroit Lions (4-9) could be without tight end Brandon Pettigrew and defensive tackle Nick Fairley when they take on the Arizona Cardinals (4-9) on Sunday.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Pettigrew and Fairley did not practice all week and are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. 

Both players were injured in Detroit’s 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers last week.

Pettigrew suffered a high-ankle sprain early in the first quarter and Fairley injured his shoulder in the fourth quarter. Neither player returned to the game. 

Tight ends Tony Scheffler and Will Heller will be expected to step up if Pettigrew can’t play. Offensive lineman Riley Reiff and former practice squad member Shaun Chapas will also be available, as per Birkett.

If Fairley can’t play against the Cardinals, Sammie Hill will likely take his spot. Andre Fluellen, who was signed just this week, will back him up, according to Birkett. 

Pettigrew has been a consistent factor in the passing game this season. The 27-year-old tight end is second on the team with 556 receiving yards. Fairley is in his second season out of Auburn and has 34 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on the season.

Safety Louis Delmas has been battling injuries all season and once again finds himself on the injury report heading into Sunday. Delmas did not practice on Wednesday or Friday, but did participate in a limited role on Thursday and is officially listed as questionable.

Other players on the injury report include WR Calvin Johnson, CB Chris Houston, CB Jacob Lacey, S Don Carey and T Corey Hilliard, but they’re all probable for Sunday’s game.