Calvin Johnson questionable to return for Detroit Lions

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Hobbled by an ankle injury all week, which led him to miss Wednesday and Thursday practices for the second-straight week, Calvin Johnson practiced Friday and was good to go for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

But Johnson, with just one catch for seven yards, re-injured his ankle during the first half and isn’t likely to return to the game.

Lions announce Calvin Johnson re-injured ankle. Return is questionable
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) October 5, 2014

Last week, Johnson wasn’t very effective. He played half the snaps and didn’t run many difficult routes. He was used mainly as a decoy and dump-off option for Matthew Stafford. His ankle was a concern all week, but the Lions felt he was okay to play, allowing him to run warm-up routes before the game.

Detroit currently leads the Bills 14-3. Golden Tate has emerged as Stafford’s top target with Johnson out, and has four catches (on five targets) for 70 yards and a touchdown. Stafford is 11-for-19 for 141 yards, a touchdown and interception.

Johnson hasn’t been his normal, ridiculous self this season largely due to this lingering ankle injury. He has 36 catches for 341 yards in four games this season, and hasn’t caught a touchdown since the first week of the season. The Lions should let him rest this injury off so he can come back strong.

Calvin Johnson questionable to return for Detroit Lions

By Wes Goldberg | Oct 5, 2014

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