ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is still undergoing tests on the shoulder injury he suffered during the Detroit Lions' 24-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and could be out two to three weeks, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
The news was first reported by NFL Network.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell, when asked about Ngata and whether he would be available Sunday against the Rams, said to "check the report" -- Caldwell's standard answer to injury questions.
Ngata was not at the open portion of Lions practice Wednesday.
Ngata suffered the injury in the second half of the Lions' victory over Philadelphia. He played 31 snaps before the injury.
The Lions did receive some good news, injury-wise. Star defensive end Ezekiel Ansah practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 2 against the Titans and went through individual drills. This could bode well for his status Sunday against Los Angeles. He would immediately offer Detroit pass rush help -- an area the Lions have struggled with during the season.
Besides Ngata, the Lions were without running backs Dwayne Washington (ankle) and Theo Riddick (unknown), starting left guard Laken Tomlinson (unknown), tight end Eric Ebron (knee/ankle), wide receiver Anquan Boldin (unknown) and linebacker DeAndre Levy (quad/knee) at practice Wednesday. All are starters or key contributors for Detroit.
Ngata, 32, has eight tackles and 1.5 sacks in five games this season. He played in 15 games and had 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, his first for Detroit.
If Ngata doesn't play Sunday, the Lions will likely look to either rookie A'Shawn Robinson or veteran Khyri Thornton to fill his spot in the starting lineup. Robinson has six tackles and a sack this season. Thornton has three tackles.