ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah had a shoulder MRI that showed no significant injuries, leaving him hopeful he might be able to play Sunday against San Francisco, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Ansah hurt the shoulder during the first half of Detroit's season opener against the New York Jets, although it was unclear on which play he suffered the injury. He went to the locker room in the second quarter, was eventually ruled out for the game and did not even return to the sidelines.
He had four tackles and a sack in 19 snaps before the injury.
This is good news for Ansah, who has a history of injuries throughout his career. He had offseason shoulder surgery in 2014 and a torn biceps as well. Last season he dealt with ankle, knee and shoulder injuries. He spent part of this year's training camp on the physically unable to perform list before returning to the team after missing the first two weeks.
Lions coach Matt Patricia said earlier Wednesday that he had no update on the status of Ansah or right guard T.J. Lang, who left Monday night's game with a back injury.
The Lions brought Ansah back on the franchise tag for the 2018 season instead of signing him to a long-term deal or letting him test free agency. Ansah had 44 tackles and 12 sacks a season ago -- nine of those sacks coming in three games.
In 74 career games, he has had 211 tackles, 45 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He was a Pro Bowler following the 2015 season.