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The Lions expect linebacker DeAndre Levy to play on Sunday, even though he missed a full week of practice.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- Teryl Austin said the Detroit Lions expect DeAndre Levy to play in Sunday's home opener against the Titans.

But a day later, Levy (quad) missed another practice -- Detroit's last before facing Tennessee. That means he missed the full week of practice, which usually signals a player won't be available on Sunday.

So despite what Austin is saying, it's possible the Lions will be without their top linebacker once again. This is the third injury Levy has dealt with since signing his extension last year, including a hip injury that limited him to one game in 2015.

He also missed the start of training camp with a knee injury he sustained away from the team, and now the quad has held him out a full week.

Coach Jim Caldwell shrugged off a question before practice about Levy's mounting injuries since signing the deal.

"He's been fine," Caldwell said. "He'll do well, he's a guy that will recover well. We'll see how he does. Let's talk about that at the end of the year."

It's unclear who would take Levy's place against Tennessee, with Jon Bostic on injured reserve and Josh Bynes cut with an injury.

Thurston Armbrister, picked up off waivers during cuts, could be the leader. Armbrister played in all 16 games for the Jaguars last year, and started three. He had 23 tackles and defended one pass.

Rookie Antwione Williams is the only other healthy reserve on the roster, while Tahir Whitehead and Kyle Van Noy fill starting roles.

Captains named: The Lions are continuing to rotate capatains this year, as they've done previously in the Jim Caldwell era. Right tackle Riley Reiff, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and punter Sam Martin are the guys this week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, safety Glover Quin and long snapper Don Muhlbach were captains for the opener.