Allen Park — Jim Caldwell expressed optimism with regards to the injuries plaguing Haloti Ngata and Joique Bell on Saturday, and it turns out his excitement was a telling sign.
The Lions activated Ngata from the non-football injury list and Bell from the physically unable to perform list Monday, so both players will be free to practice Monday afternoon at the team’s headquarters.
Bell, the starting running back, has not practiced since undergoing knee and Achilles tendon surgeries in January. Ngata suffered a hamstring injury while preparing for training camp and should step in as the starting left defensive tackle, a spot formerly held by Ndamukong Suh.