Aug 2, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during training camp at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Week 3 of the NFL preseason kicks off on Thursday night with a match up at Ford Field between the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots. While the third preseason game is generally the game where starters get their most work in the preseason, the Lions will be without their biggest offensive star for the night.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who is dealing with a knee bruise, tried to work out and go through drills before the game, but he still felt soreness and the team decided to shut him down for the night.

From Josina Anderson of ESPN:

Calvin just did some speed dynamics drills on the ladder. He told me after that he feels a little sore in the knee. pic.twitter.com/jAoCrM8rsl

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 22, 2013

With Johnson being such an important part of the Lions offense, the wisest move is to let their star rest and make sure that he is ready for the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings in just seventeen short days.

There is no doubt that Johnson will be healthy enough for Week One of the regular season.