By Carlos Monarrez and Helene St. James

USA TODAY Sports

Franzen%3A %27I think it%27s three days now I haven%27t had any issues%27

Joakim Andersson could also be in the mix on Sunday

Red Wings place Mikael Samuelsson on waivers

With so many Detroit Red Wings injured, reinforcements have spilled into a crowded locker at such an alarming rate that rookie center Riley Sheahan's makeshift locker consists of a folding chair next to a trash can.

But slowly, the Red Wings are on the mend.

Forward Johan Franzen has been out longer than anyone since he suffered a concussion Dec. 15. After a good skate Saturday and continued progress, general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press that Franzen, barring a setback, would play Sunday against the visiting Florida Panthers.

Franzen has missed 16 games since he was hit in the face by Tampa Bay's Radko Gudas. Franzen first thought he would be out for five days. Instead, he's dealt with constant headaches and has lacked mental acuity until his recent stream of steady progress.

"Yeah, I think it's three days now I haven't had any issues," he said. "So hopefully I wake up tomorrow the same way. I hope to play."

Coach Mike Babcock said center Joakim Andersson, who has missed five games with a lower-body injury, also would be in the mix to return Sunday.

"Yeah, we'll decide tomorrow and Andy says he's feeling good, too," Babcock said. "So we'll decide tomorrow and see who's available kind of thing."

Samuelsson on waivers

Holland also told the Free Press that Mikael Samuelsson was put on waivers because the Red Wings are finally getting back several of their injured players. Darren Helm, Jonathan Ericsson and Daniel Alfredsson returned over the past week.

Samuelsson is almost certain to clear waivers, at which point the Red Wings will gain a roster spot by assigning him to the minors.

Carlos Monarrez and Helene St. James write for the Detroit Free Press