12-19-2019, 06:55 AM
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Calvin Johnson was back on the practice field for the Detroit Lions. That doesnt mean his status for this weekend is even close to determined. "I dont have any updates on him," coach Jim Schwartz said. "You guys saw what you saw." Johnson was inactive in a loss at Green Bay last weekend because of an injured right knee. He didnt practice Wednesday, but he was on the field Thursday during the portion of practice open to reporters. Johnson didnt participate in every drill, but he did do some footwork and pass-catching exercises with other receivers. "It feels good to be out there," Johnson said. "Im feeling better, definitely. So we can just leave it at that." Detroit lost 22-9 to the Packers without Johnson. The star receiver has 21 catches for 312 yards and four touchdowns on the season. The Lions play at Cleveland on Sunday. "It certainly helps to have him out there," offensive co-ordinator Scott Linehan said. "Thats the understatement of the day." The Lions (3-2) had won two in a row before arriving in Green Bay, but Johnson was a surprising scratch. Hed given cryptic answers about his health a few days before the game, but Johnson had been banged up before and missed only one game since the start of the 2010 season. He had to sit out another Sunday, and Detroits offence did not look good at all. The Lions are also missing receiver Nate Burleson, who is still recovering after hurting his arm in a car accident. Burleson was on the practice field Thursday as well, wearing a backward cap. While his teammates caught footballs, he tried to catch tennis balls with his good arm during drills. Burleson isnt expected back for a while, but Johnsons presence on the field was at least a small step in the right direction. "Its just going to depend on how he feels when we get to game day," Schwartz said. "He had a bunch of times last year where he didnt practice at all, and went out and played on Sunday, and last week he practiced on Friday and wasnt able to go out there on Sunday." Tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler had four catches apiece last weekend, but Scheffler is now recovering from a concussion and didnt practice at all Thursday. Suddenly Detroits dynamic passing game looks decimated, putting more pressure on running back Reggie Bush. The Lions hope for a lift from Kevin Ogletree, who signed with Detroit last week and caught a couple passes against Green Bay. "He has really good hands. Its good to see him catch the ball with his hands all the time," Johnson said. "It builds confidence in the coaches in him." The Lions dont like to give out much information on injuries because they worry it could provide a competitive advantage to the opponent, but this week, the real question is about Detroits preparation. If Johnson cant play, can the Lions come close to replacing his production? Schwartz says the uncertainty surrounding Johnson isnt a distraction for the rest of the team. "Theres a lot of fantasy football owners that want to know whether hes going to play or not," Schwartz said. "But the guys in the locker room, were prepared." NOTES: T Jason Fox (knee), LB Ashlee Palmer (ankle) and RB Theo Riddick (concussion) did not practice. S Louis Delmas (knee), CB Chris Houston (hamstring) and S Glover Quin (ankle) were limited. Richard Hamilton Jersey .com) - Scott Parel carded a 5-under 65 on Thursday and he grabbed a 1-stroke lead after one round of the season-opening Panama Claro Championship. Washington Wizards Gear .Y. - Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby captured his second career Art Ross trophy on Sunday after leading the NHL in scoring this season. https://www.cheapwizardsonline.com/1489k...zards.html . Howard had 17 points and a career-high-tying 26 rebounds in his Houston debut, James Harden added 21 points and the Rockets cruised to a 96-83 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Otto Porter Jr. Jersey .One day after winning her record 63rd World Cup race, Vonn posted to her Facebook account Tuesday that she was happy Woods surprised her by coming to the race, and that she felt terrible that his tooth got knocked out. Harvey Grant Jersey ... maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have signed quarterback Rusty Smith, who played the last four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. A backup for the Titans, Smith played in only three regular-season games with one start. He has not gotten on the field since 2012. Smith has completed 23 of 45 passes for 234 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions. He is the fifth quarterback onn New Yorks roster, joining starter Eli Manning, 2013 backups Curtis Painter and Ryan Nassib, and Josh Freeman, who was signed last week.dddddddddddd Manning had arthroscopic ankle surgery earlier this month and is sidelined for another few weeks. Painter underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last Friday and recovery time is approximately four weeks. ' ' '