Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

After missing most of the 2014 season with a torn ACL, former Detroit Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch can empathize with what DeAndre Levy has gone through in missing significant time with injuries the last two years.

"I feel for him," Tulloch, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, said in a conference call with Detroit reporters today. "To get that big contract, and I know he wants to be out there and prove his worth. But you can’t stop the injury bug. It is what it is."

Levy has missed three straight games with a quadriceps injury and is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles at Ford Field (1 p.m., Fox).

He was one of seven Lions who did not practice today, along with Ziggy Ansah, Marvin Jones, Eric Ebron, Dwayne Washington, Nevin Lawson and Don Carey.

Ansah, who has missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain, also is expected to miss Sunday's game, and ESPN reported that Ebron likely will not play against the Eagles because of knee and ankle injuries.

Tulloch said he and Levy have spoken recently and that Levy is "a little frustrated by" his injuries.

Levy missed most of last year with a hip injury that eventually required surgery and has played in parts of just two games since signing a four-year, $33-million extension in August 2015.

"Obviously, he wants to go out there and play and he’s a big piece of that defense," Tulloch said. "Let’s face it, he’s a guy that can run sideline to sideline, makes big plays, just a fantastic player, and it’s unfortunate that he’s not healthy right now. If I know Levy, I know he’s doing everything in his power to get back healthy and I hope to see him out there, not just as friend but as a fan of his."

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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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