Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson Is Rested and Ready to Return

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is set to return to the field this weekend following a three game hiatus while recovering from a high ankle sprain. Johnson was listed as questionable for five consecutive weeks, but says he will play against the Miami Dolphins this week.

Head coach Jim Caldwell said he too expects Calvin Johnson to play Sunday.

"“It feels good to be back at almost 100 percent,” Johnson said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press."

Johnson returned to practice earlier this week. He says he “looked good” and is “back to his normal routine,” so he isn’t worried about being rusty.

Calvin on if he's worried about being rusty at all: "Nah, felt good the other day, looked good."
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 5, 2014

“Yeah, it’s attainable to do that, but we’ll see how things work out.” – Calvin Johnson

He also stated that with eight games left in the season, his goals haven’t changed. He plans to hit the 1,000 yard mark. So far Calvin Johnson has 22 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns this season.

The possibility of Johnson reaching that mark is fairly good considering he is fresher than he has ever been at the halfway point of the regular season.

"“There haven’t been many times where I had three, four weeks off,” Johnson said. “Any time you get that kind of time off, your body is going to feel rejuvenated.”"

Johnson returns to a Detroit Lions offense that has struggled in his absence, even with the spectacular play of free-agent pick up, Golden Tate. Johnson will return to his No. 1 receiver spot opposite Tate.

Tate is fourth in the NFL in receptions (55) and yards (800). And the presence of Johnson could open things up for both receivers.

"“It changes (the offense), obviously,” Stafford said. “Maybe not so much on the plays that we run but on how defenses treat us. So we’ll see what Miami’s plan is. Everybody’s plan is different. They’ve got talented corners, so I’m sure they feel good at certain positions there.“It’ll be interesting to see. But we’re just happy to continue to get guys healthy and then get some guys back.”"