Defensive end Dewayne White should return from a calf injury. He will move from the right side back to the left, opposite rookie Cliff Avril. The Lions hope that will give them a better pass rush, and they hope White's veteran savvy will help them sniff out the draw plays and traps the Colts use so effectively.

PLAYER NOTES

--CB Leigh Bodden (groin) did not practice Thursday after going through a limited practice Wednesday. The Lions did not provide an update on his status for Sunday.

--WR Shaun McDonald (ankle) did not practice Thursday after going through a limited practice Wednesday. The Lions did not provide an update on his status for Sunday.

--DT Chuck Darby (calf) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. He is expected to play Sunday, however. He has been nursing a nagging calf injury for weeks.

--DT Cory Redding (knee) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday but is expected to play Sunday.

--CB Keith Smith (groin) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. He is expected to play.

--RB Kevin Smith (ankle) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. He is expected to play.

--DE Dewayne White (calf) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. He is expected to play.

GAME PLAN: It's all about time of possession for the Lions. They must run the ball, convert third downs and even convert fourth-and-shorts to stay on the field, chew up the clock and score points, because they don't want Peyton Manning and the potent Colts offense to have a chance to pound their weak defense. If the Lions fall behind, things could snowball badly. On defense, the Lions are unlikely to get to Manning much, but they must do what they can to disrupt his timing and find a way to force some turnovers. They must be mistake-free.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Lions RB Kevin Smith vs. Colts run defense -- To have any chance, Smith must have a big game. The Lions have uncertainty at quarterback because of injuries, so whoever plays is unlikely to lead them to victory, and they need Smith to chew up the clock to keep Peyton Manning off the field. The Colts have stopped the run better lately, and their middle linebacker, Buster Davis, knows Smith and the Lions well. He was one of the Lions' last cuts and likely wants to show them what they're missing.

Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Lions pass defense: Manning threw six touchdown passes in only three quarters of work the last time he faced the Lions, on Thanksgiving 2004. He could have another career day. The Lions have allowed much lesser quarterbacks to have career days this season.

INJURY IMPACT: If Dan Orlovsky plays, it will be with a broken thumb that kept him out of the past five games - and a lot of rust from his absence. If Drew Stanton plays, he should be clear-headed - the effects of a recent concussion gone - but he's still very inexperienced.