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Ziggy Ansah inactive for Lions vs. Steelers

An ailing Lions pass rush becomes weaker without rookie Ziggy Ansah.

Gregory Shamus
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah will miss Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain. It seemed likely he would miss the Week 11 game, but this was confirmed when the Lions made him inactive.

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Ansah had been quietly productive prior to the injury, recording 19 tackles, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in nine games. The loss puts pressure on a team already struggling to rush the passer with Detroit’s defense ranked 29th in sacks. Ansah is second on the team in sacks, despite missing the last two games due to injury.

Devin Taylor will continue to start at right defensive end, according to Dave Birkett. Taylor was a fourth-round pick in the 2013 draft and has played in seven games this season. The drop off from Ansah to Taylor is clear, but the rookie has shown flashes. Used as a rotational pass rusher in Week 5 he finished with three tackles, one sack and a fumble forced against Cleveland.

It's expected Ansah will return to action in Week 12 when the Lions face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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