Red Wings' Howard practices, not ruled out for Tuesday's game

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard took the ice Monday, and head coach Mike Babcock did not rule him out for Tuesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Howard faced some shots in practice and his status will be determined closer to game time, according to the Detroit News.

The netminder left Friday's loss to the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury and missed Sunday's shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

"I don't know if he's been cleared to go," Babcock said. "I was surprised he was out there this morning."

Petr Mrazek relieved Howard on Friday and started Sunday's game.