ALLEN PARK — Detroit Lions starting defensive tackle Corey Williams will miss Sunday’s game after undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday, the team announced today (Thursday).

 Williams has been on and off the injury report the last two weeks with knee issues. Coach Jim Schwartz said he’s out for Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings and his status is week to week. The Lions have a bye the following week.

 Williams will be replaced as a starter either by Nick Fairley or Sammie Hill. In the first three games, Fairley has played a total of five more snaps than Hill making it tough to judge who will start. Late last season when Ndamukong Suh was suspended for a pair of games, Hill got the start.

 Whether it’s Fairley or Hill who start, both are expected to play significant time in Williams’ absence.

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