Rams Vs. Lions: Will Chris Houston, Louis Delmas Play This Week?

The Detroit Lions could be a little thin in their secondary when they host the St. Louis Rams for the season opener on Sunday. Starting cornerback Chris Houston and safety Louis Delmas could both be out of action for the season opener, setting up some favorable matchups for Sam Bradford and the Rams offense.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is not saying anything until Wednesday, when the NFL requires him to make his first official injury report of the regular season. Both Delmas and Houston did individual work on the sidelines on Monday, which the report notes could indicate that they will be ready to go this week.

Schwartz worked for Jeff Fisher as a defensive coordinator before he took the Lions job. He doubtlessly learned a few things from his old boss when it comes to handling injured players, including being very tight lipped about injuries. Fisher does not push his injured players to practice, as Rams fans have come to realize this year, preferring to keep them as fresh as possible for game day.

Delmas is easily the Lions' best defensive back. Without him, it should open up some big play opportunities for the Rams offense, providing they can get behind Detroit's fearsome front four.