Detroit Lions Injury Report: Preseason Week 3; Calvin Johnson Expected To Play
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions injury report for week 3 of the preseason doesn’t look all that bad. The Lions are set to face-off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in front of a sold-out crowd at Ford Field on Friday. Both the Lions and the Jaguars enter this weeks game at 1-1 records respectively.
Live Feed
SideLion Report
Though it is an exhibition game, it doesn’t lack importance. With roster cuts looming, players that are not a lock to make the final 53 are fighting for their football lives in hope that they can remain with the team for the start of the regular season on week 1.
Aside from position battles, another key situation to keep an eye on during Friday evening’s game are the Lions injuries an/or those who are healing up and ready to return to action.
One player returning to the field needs no introduction — but we’ll give him one anyways, Lions Pro-Bowl wide receiver, Calvin Johnson.
Lions head coach, Jim Caldwell said on Monday that he is eager to get Johnson onto the field with his teammates for the first time in 2014.
"“We plan to get him some work this week, but that’s today that I’m telling you that,” Caldwell said. “Towards the end of the week, if something adjusts where we have to adjust here and there, it could be that with a number of guys, but we plan to get him some work this week.”"
The Lions have been cautious with Johnson’s recovery following offseason surgery on both his knee and a finger.
More from Detroit Lions
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Signing This Former Pro-Bowl CB Would Be Huge Mistake for Lions
- Forecasting the Rest of This Lions Season (Score Predictions)
- Lions Get Exciting Injury Update on Rookie QB Hendon Hooker
- Betting Preview: Best Bets for Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day Game
While Caldwell has said that both the first-team, offense and defense will play all the way through the first half and into the third quarter, in an attempt for the coaching staff to see how the players handle halftime adjustments, things may be different for Megatron.
It will be interesting to see how long coach Caldwell lets Johnson stay on the field as he obviously has nothing to prove in the preseason.
As Johnson returns to the field, last seasons first-round pick Ziggy Ansah may not be so lucky.
Ansah was taken off the Physically Unable to Preform (PUP) list last week after missing the first two weeks of training camp following offseason shoulder surgery. While he was able to return to practice, he did not play against the Oakland Raiders last Friday.
Furthermore, Caldwell said he doesn’t know at this point whether Ansah will be ready to go vs. Jacksonville.
"“I’m not certain, the medical staff will look at him, even though he’s off of PUP, we’re still going to bring him along according to what he can handle from a physical standpoint,” Caldwell said.“So, we’ll get a sense of that, he’s doing a little bit more today in practice and he’ll do a little bit more tomorrow and then we’ll see what happens come game day.”"
Rookie receiver TJ Jones remains on the PUP list. He sat out Monday’s practice, and was joined by safety DeJon Gomes, who left the Oakland game with a neck injury.
Besides those two, the Lions are quite healthy heading into Friday’s third preseason game.