ALLEN PARK — Lions running back Kevin Smith progressed on Thursday to participating in drills at practice. Smith, who injured his right ankle on Thanksgiving, was limited to stretches in Wednesday’s practice. He was active in the portion of practice open to the media.

Meanwhile it’s looking doubtful for Sunday at New Orleans for cornerback Chris Houston and safety Louis Delmas. Neither has practiced so far this week due to knee injuries. Cornerback Brandon McDonald (lower leg) who ran sprints along the sidelines in Wednesday’s practice, was not seen on Thursday.

Add defensive end Lawrence Jackson (thigh) to that list. Jackson could not play on Thanksgiving after his injury in the win over the Panthers.

Linebacker Doug Hogue, who was out with an illness on Wednesday, returned to practice on Thursday.

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