Calvin Johnson

The Detroit Lions' depth at tight end has taken another hit. Whether that affects Monday's game in New Orleans remains to be seen.

Eric Ebron has been limited in practice this week while dealing with an illness, and was absent completely on Saturday as Detroit wrapped up preparations for Monday night's game against the Saints.

Detroit will issue its game designations later Saturday.

Ebron's status compounds the Lions' issues at tight end, where starter Brandon Pettigrew was lost for the year after suffering a torn ACL in last week's loss against St. Louis.

Detroit signed Bear Pascoe this week to offer another body at the position, and could activate Tim Wright for the first time since Oct. 25 as well.

Receiver Calvin Johnson also missed practice Saturday, his second absence of the week, but is still expected to play against New Orleans. He's taken days off throughout the season while dealing with a sore ankle, but continues to play through it.