ALLEN PARK -- Ezekiel Ansah has waited months to do what he's scheduled to do Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field: He's going to rush the passer.
He needs it, having been hobbled on a knee injury that followed last year's ankle issue and heading into a critical contract year. His team might need it even more, given the injuries and suspensions that have crippled the rest of its pass rush.
For weeks, the Lions have been caught between prudence and anxiety. They've been trying to keep their 2015 Pro Bowl defensive end at his most physically capable without losing the reps and game shape they'll need right away against the passing teams that front-load this year's schedule.