The Lions will have to hold down the 49ers vast array of No. 1 receivers without their No. 1 cornerback.
Chris Houston was on the inactive list for tonight’s game, not yet ready to return from a sprained ankle.
He practiced on a limited basis this week, but was listed as doubtful. Cornerback Bill Bentley (concussion) was also out, leaving Jacob Lacey and Drayton Florence to start at cornerback.
Safety Louis Delmas, linebacker Travis Lewis, offensive tackles Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard and quarterback Kellen Moore are the other inactives for the Lions.
The 49ers won’t get much from their rookie class tonight, as their top two picks are inactive.
Wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and running back LaMichael James were among the seven as well, along with injured running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) and return man Ted Ginn, guard Joe Looney, tight end Garrett Celek and nose tackle Ian Williams.