ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Rookie defensive end Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah has been cleared to play in the Detroit Lions’ regular-season opener Sunday, about two weeks after suffering a concussion in practice.
“I’m hopeful, but that’s coach’s decision,” Ansah, the fifth pick overall in the NFL Draft, said following Friday’s practice. “If I’m allowed to play, I will. If not, I’ll be on the sideline to support my team.”
Coach Jim Schwartz won’t comment on Ansah’s status, but the rookie was listed as “probable” on the Lions’ official injury report, an indication that doctors have given him the go-ahead for full contact.
The injury report also revealed that Ansah had “full participation” in Friday’s practice for the first time since the injury.
The concussion occurred on August 24 during a collision with offensive lineman Leroy Harris during a practice drill.
“It was helmet to helmet,” said Ansah, who was speaking for the first time since the incident and confirmed that it was his first concussion.
Ansah indicated that he immediately informed the medical staff when he came off the field.
“I just told them what happened,” he said.
Ansah, who returned to practice that same day, wouldn’t elaborate on those conversations.
“I just want to keep that between me and my medical doctor, not for the media,” he said.
A day later, Ansah went out for practice but quickly exited the field during stretching exercises, with a towel draped over his head.
When asked if he'd had a reaction to the sunlight, Ansah said simply, “Something happened.”
Ansah also didn’t want to provide more details about what he went through while not being able to practice for an 11-day period.
Ansah finally returned to the field to do some running Wednesday before being able to practice the last two days, albeit on a limited basis Thursday.
“I really don’t want to talk about it,” he said. “I’m just glad I’m back on the field and being able to practice.
“We all know that I had a concussion. I just put that behind me.”
EXTRA POINT
The Lions announced that six players – quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson for the offense, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and linebacker Stephen Tulloch for the defense, and kicker David Akers and safety John Wendling for the special teams - have been voted as captains.
