ALLEN PARK — Ziggy Ansah took part in defensive line drills at the start of practice today (Thursday).

It was the first sign of practice for the Detroit Lions rookie defensive end since he sustained a concussion on Aug. 24. He didn't practice Wednesday and was listed on the injury report with a concussion.

It appears Ansah is on track to play in the opener Sunday at Ford Field.

However coach Jim Schwartz has not offered any specifics about Ansah’s condition or game status.

Only the first 30 minutes of practice are open to the media so it’s undetermined if he made it through the complete practice. 

Ansah, a first-round pick, has been expected to start at the right defensive end. 

Ansah missed the final preseason game but played in the first three.

If Ansah can’t go expect Willie Young to get his first start.

At Thursday’s practice everyone was participating at least in the early portion.

The Lions open against the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff is 1 p.m.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)