DETROIT -- Lions coach Jim Caldwell was noncommittal Wednesday night about the availability of first-round draft pick Eric Ebron for the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.
The rookie tight end missed Wednesday's night practice at Ford Field due to an undisclosed injury. Caldwell declined to discuss the specifics of the injury after practice.
"It's nothing serious," Caldwell said. "He'll be back. Just maybe a day or two."
Ebron's position is one of the hardest in the NFL to pick up, as the team plans on lining him up next to the offensive line, in the slot, out wide and even in the backfield. So any missed practice time could be a detriment to his development.
The Lions declined to let Ebron speak after practice, saying he had a commitment. Most of the Lions' top players were shuttled off to sign autographs after the public practice.
If Ebron is unable to play, this leaves Detroit with four available tight ends for the preseason opener: Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria, Jordan Thompson and Andrew Maxwell.