Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy will likely miss the Lions first game against the San Diego Chargers this weekend due to a hip injury that kept him out of practice the past two weeks, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Levy could miss an extended period of time and need surgery for "possible internal damage," according to fantasy sports website FanDuel.
Other reports, however, have stated that Levy will not need surgery and has shown signs of improvement without any setbacks, according to the Detroit Free Press. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has not offered any update on Levy's return at this time.
The Lions are playing at San Diego this weekend, and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers expects Levy to be on the field. "We're going to expect him to be out there and be at his best. I think that's the best way to go into every game is to expect every guy to play and expect the best from every guy and then if they're not out there then we adjust from there," said Rivers. "He obviously jumps off the film. What really impresses me is how he does a little bit of everything."
Levy was an impact player for the Lions defense last season, making 117 tackles and two-and-a-half sacks. Levy has 12 interceptions in six seasons in the NFL, and he is truly a linebacker that can cover both the pass and run.
Without Levy on the field, Josh Bynes will likely step in and at least have some familiarity with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's system, as Bynes had his first season in Detroit last year. The Lions no longer have Ndamukong Suh, and losing Levy could truly hurt their chances. At least the Lions acquired Haloti Ngata, a defensive presence that the Lions needed desperately after losing Suh.
Lion's fans may not have to wait long for Levy's return, though, as he is reportedly improving, and having him back in their defense is a huge addition.
