ALLEN PARK — Monday night football will return to Detroit’s Ford Field much sooner than ever expected.

The Lions announced on Thursday night that Ford Field will be the site of the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets game at 7 p.m. on Monday.

Lions president Tom Lewand issued this statement: “We are pleased to be hosting the Bills and Jets for their game Monday night. While our thoughts are with the people of the Buffalo area during this difficult time, our team at Ford Field will do everything we can to be good hosts to their team this weekend.”

With the blizzard in Buffalo, the NFL had been looking at alternative sites for the Bills game against the Jets which was scheduled for Sunday.

The NFL released this statement: “We greatly appreciate the hospitality of the Detroit Lions in hosting the Bills and this game, which will be televised by CBS in the New York and Buffalo area markets.’’

Ford Field could have hosted the game on Sunday, but delaying until Monday will give the Bills a chance to practice.

 The Lions’ practice facility will be available to the Bills on Friday and moving the game to Monday night will enable the Bills to practice on Friday and Saturday and have their walk-through on Sunday.  

The Bills could not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a travel ban.

The Lions jumped in to help the NFL in a similar situation in 2010 when the Minneapolis Metrodome’s Teflon roof collapsed under the weight of snow. The Vikings became the home team at Ford Field playing the New York Giants on a Monday night. Tickets to the game were free.

Ticket details for Monday’s game will be released on Friday.

The Lions play the Patriots at New England on Sunday and then return to Ford Field on Thanksgiving to host the Chicago Bears.

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