Jim Schwartz avoids comment on Ziggy Ansah’s potential concussion

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz refused to answer any questions about the possible concussion suffered by rookie Ziggy Ansah, leaving the defensive end’s status cloudy for Thursday’s preseason finale.

by Louis Bien

Aug 26, 2013, 7:52 PM UTC

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz did everything he could to deflect questions about whether rookie defensive end Ziggy Ansah suffered a concussion during practice Saturday, according to the Detroit Free Press. When pressed, Schwartz refused to answer whether Ansah sustained a brain injury, or clarify the team's protocol for diagnosing and treating players who may have suffered a concussion. Via the Free Press:

“I don’t have any comment on anybody’s physical condition,” Schwartz said. “We don’t have to give any injury reports right now and anything going into the season, particularly this late, is a competitive thing. Unless it’s somebody that’s long term or somebody that’s had surgery, I’ll let you know on those but otherwise we’ll just go with the injury reports.”

Schwartz’s comments could perhaps be an indication that he does not anticipate Ansah missing much time, though it’s clear that the coach did not want to tip his hand in any way in front of media members.

Ansah was blindsided by a block from offensive guard Leroy Harris during Saturday's non-padded practice. He returned to the field after spending time on one knee along the sideline, but was spotted walking to the locker room with towel over his head alongside trainers in Sunday's practice.

Ansah has had a strong training camp, starting and making an impact in all three of the Lions' preseason games thus far. The No. 5 overall pick had an interception return for a touchdown against the New York Jets, and recovered a fumble during last week's game against the New England Patriots.

The Lions' defensive line is banged up at the moment. Ndamukong Suh and Jason Jones did not practice Monday for a second consecutive day, and Nick Fairley reportedly aggravated a thumb injury.