Lions game won't be on local TV

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions failed to sell all their tickets for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, meaning there will be a TV blackout in some local markets.

Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said Thursday the game will be blacked out in the Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw-Flint and Toledo, Ohio, markets.

More than 10,000-plus tickets were available on Wednesday.

The Lions have lost 19 games in a row, matching the second-longest skid in NFL history. Coach Jim Schwartz says the team must take responsibility for the empty seats.

"It is on us because it's our job to win," he said. "It's our job to get fans excited and to give them a reason to come to the game. And when we do that, we won't have to worry about blackouts or sellouts or anything else."

Last week, the Lions were able to sell 1,700 tickets at the last moment for the home game against Minnesota.