The Lions are down three starters for Sunday, including Ezekiel Ansah

As Michael Rothstein of ESPN notes, the Lions will be without three starters in Sunday’s game against the Eagles, including defensive lineman Ezekiel Ansah.

Ansah, Eric Ebron, and DeAndre Levy will all miss Sunday’s game in Detroit after not practicing once this week.

The fact that Ansah isn’t playing Sunday is a huge deal, and probably brings a smile to the faces of each Eagles offensive lineman. They remember last season, when Ansah absolutely shredded them for 3.5 sacks on Thanksgiving. Ansah is a Pro Bowl-level talent; not having to face him is a huge stroke of luck for the Eagles, as is not facing Levy, another premier defender.

Ebron, the Lions’ starting tight end, is off to a great start to his season. Through four games, Ebron has 18 catches for 210 yards and one touchdown. Nigel Bradham has done well covering tight ends — and even, sometimes, wide receivers — so far this season, but avoiding facing Ebron is a big plus for Jim Schwartz’s defense, which will already have its hands full stopping wide receiver Marvin Jones.

The Eagles, on the other hand, are almost fully healthy, with the exception of Bennie Logan’s sore calf.

Looks like a game the Eagles should win has gotten even easier.