Howard, Weiss out for Red Wings on Thursday

The Detroit Red Wings will be without goaltender Jimmy Howard and center Stephen Weiss when they play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, according to reports.

Howard was injured in practice Wednesday, leading to the recall of Petr Mrazek from the American Hockey League.

"Howie tweaked a knee," general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press. "He's going for tests. We don't know how serious it is. Obviously, he can't play, so we called up Mrazek."

Howard has started twice in December and is 6-8-7 with a 2.65 goals-against average and .910 save percentage.

Jonas Gustavsson will start against the Lightning with Mrazek as the backup. Forward Henrik Zetterberg (back) was placed on long-term injured reserve to make room for Mrazek.

Weiss will miss the game with a sore groin and could be out longer depending on what tests show.

Weiss has battled groin injuries since signing with the Red Wings, missing time in training camp and six games in November. He has been limited to two goals and four points in 26 games and is without a goal in his past 20 games.

"It was good for a little bit after (the last time); a little bit sore, but nothing crazy, then it went south here pretty quickly," Weiss told MLive.com. "I'm concerned; anytime you're not in practice and able to skate, it's not a good feeling. So I'm just going to see what the tests say."