Lions’ Calvin Johnson likely out Sunday
There are mixed reports coming out of Detroit on the status of Lions WR Calvin Johnson this week. The former Georgia Tech star left Sunday’s loss against the Steelers with a knee injury that the team said wasn’t significant.
But at Wednesday’s practice, which is usually the practice where you determine if someone will play Sunday, Johnson was in sweats and stiff-legged. ESPN is reporting the Lions probably will play it safe and hold him out this week against Green Bay – bet on it at WagerWeb.com – with Detroit’s bye coming up in Week 7.
Johnson owned the Packers last year, as the Lions lost two fairly close games. He had 15 receptions for 231 yards and four touchdowns in the two games. This year, Johnson’s numbers (22 receptions, 325 yards, 1 TD) are a bit down, but that was to be expected with a rookie QB throwing his way.
Speaking of that rookie QB, Matthew Stafford did not play against Pittsburgh after hurting his right knee the previous week, and Detroit coach Jim Schwartz would not speculate on his status for Sunday’s game at Green Bay. If Stafford is healthy, Schwartz said he is the clear-cut starter over Daunte Culpepper.
Stafford, according to the Detroit media, took the snaps with the first unit at practice on Wednesday. He didn’t seem limited as he jogged, maneuvered lightly and threw passes.
“We’ll see where he is and see how he’s trending,” Schwartz said. “If he’s trending up and he’s improving and we can get him snaps, then we have a good chance to get him on the field. If not, then we won’t.”
No matter who plays QB against the Packers, the Lions’ offensive line must improve or the game won’t be close. That unit surrendered seven sacks against Pittsburgh, including four on Detroit’s final series, and got flagged for two holding penalties. That’s a combined 12 sacks permitted in their past two games.
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