Whitehead recorded eight tackles and one fumble recovery during Sunday's 24-21 victory over the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

With rookie Jarrad Davis struggling in pass coverage, Whitehead has seen increased playing time in recent weeks and that's unlikely to change anytime soon, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. He's now logged over 70 defensive snaps in two of the past three weeks while averaging 10.5 tackles in those outings. Whitehead won't help you much in other statistical categories, but his expanded role going forward should make him a reliable source for production in the tackle department.

Whitehead recorded five tackles during Monday's 30-17 victory over the Packers, including one sack and two TFLs.

EDGE Analysis

Whitehead's sack was just the third of his career and his first since 2015, but it helped the Lions stop the Packers' momentum on their opening drive in which Green Bay was forced to settle for a field goal that was ultimately blocked by teammate A'Shawn Robinson. From an IDP standpoint, however, Whitehead is averaging just 5.5 tackles per game and hasn't topped eight tackles in any affair. His role simply doesn't lend itself to high tackle totals, making him barely worth fantasy consideration.

Whitehead (pectoral) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a limited practice session Wednesday, Whitehead was back on the field in full form, which bodes well for status Sunday against the Saints. The veteran linebacker played through the pectoral injury against the Panthers and it seems likely he'll do the same this week.

Whitehead (pectoral) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitehead played all but three defensive snaps for the Lions a week ago and is a key part of the team's defense. Thankfully for the team, both Whitehead and Jarrad Davis (neck) are in action Sunday against the dynamic Cam Newton and the rest of the Panthers offense.

Whitehead (pectoral) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Whitehead logged 53 of 56 defensive snaps in a Week 4 win over the Vikings, finishing with five tackles and two fumble recoveries in a game Jarrad Davis (neck) missed. Whitehead and Davis were limited practice participants all week, leaving it unclear whether the Lions will have both (or neither) available for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers.

Whitehead totaled five tackles and two fumble recoveries during Sunday's 14-7 victory over the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

Filling in for an injured Jarrad Davis (concussion) at middle linebacker, Whitehead tied for the team lead in tackles Sunday. While this probably wasn't the performance many expected after he averaged 8.3 tackles as the starting MLB in 2016, Whitehead likely made up for it by staying alert and collecting two loose fumbles -- including one in the fourth quarter to clinch the Lions' victory. If Davis is able to return in Week 5, Whitehead would then shift back to outside linebacker, a role in which the Temple product totaled 13 tackles and an interception across two starts in Week 1 and Week 2.

Whitehead is expected to replace Jarrad Davis (concussion) as the starting middle linebacker Sunday against Atlanta, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Already a starter at outside linebacker, Whitehead has piled up 13 tackles and an interception through two weeks while logging 73 percent of the defensive snaps. With an every-down role seemingly in the cards for Week 3, he sneakily profiles as one of the better IDP options in the league, at least temporarily. Whitehead had 132 tackles in 15 games while handling a three-down role last season, but he didn't have any sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles or fumble recoveries.

Whitehead was absent from Wednesday's injury report.

EDGE Analysis

Whitehead, who suffered a minor knee injury in the third exhibition, should be all systems go for Sunday's season opener against the Cardinals.

Head coach Jim Caldwell implied Whitehead (knee) isn't dealing with a serious injury, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lions fans can exhale, as Whitehead truly dodged a bullet if he doesn't need to miss extended time. However, it isn't clear if he'll be ready in time for Week 1.

Whitehead was forced out of Friday's preseason matchup against the Patriots after suffering a knee injury, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is not certain when Whitehead sustained the injury, but the team announced he would not be returning as the second half commenced. The 27-year-old led the team in tackles at middle linebacker last season, but has since shifted to outside linebacker in order to make room for first-round pick Jarrad Davis. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time.