Lions' Moore Will Play Sunday

The Detroit Lions finally got some good news Wednesday when it was announced that wide receiver Herman Moore is expected to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit offense, already reeling from the sudden retirement of Barry Sanders, lost Moore to a sprained knee in the season opener in Seattle.

Moore, who has averaged more than 100 catches and 1,300 yards in the past four years, has missed the last three games. He had hoped to return last Sunday against San Diego, a game the Lions lost 20-10, but was forced to wait until this week.

"It looks like he's going to be ready," Lions coach Bobby Ross said after his team's practice Wednesday. "He worked well today, and took his turn with everyone else. That's going to be a big lift for us, because he's one of the best receivers out there."

Moore's return should allow Detroit to be more effective in three-receiver offenses, as he teams with Johnnie Morton and Germane Crowell. Brian Stablein caught just one pass in three-plus games as the Lions last three games.

©1999 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed