Will Megatron Return Against The Browns?
By Chris Morgan
It was never likely that the Detroit Lions would beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field last week. However, once it became known that wide receiver Calvin Johnson would not be able to play, the loss became all but inevitable. The offense really struggled without Johnson — makes sense since he's the best receiver in the NFL. Now, Lions are waiting to see if he will be able to play this week against the Cleveland Browns. Unlike the Packers, the Browns are a team the Lions have a good chance of beating if Megatron plays. If they don't, however, it could be a bad loss.
Johnson, who has a knee injury, did not participate in Wednesday's practice and he is questionable for this game. It is unlikely we will know whether or not Johnson will suit up until close to Sunday, perhaps he will even be a game-time decision. The Lions really need him. Receiver Nate Burleson, who broke his arm, actually was a limited participant in practice this week, but he is not ready to return. The Lions cannot rely on Kris Durham at receiver. It will be ugly for Detroit's passing game if there is no Johnson.
Additionally, tight end Tony Scheffler has a concussion, and he may not be able to play against the Browns, either. That would likely lead to more Joseph Fauria. Running back Theo Riddick also suffered a concussion, and offensive tackle Jason Fox is injured yet again, as his knee is bothering him. Neither of these injuries are terribly concerning for Detroit.
On defense, at least there are fewer questions. Only two notable players see their status up in the air for Sunday. Safety Louis Delmas did not practice Wednesday with a knee injury, while cornerback Chris Houston missed practice with a hamstring injury. Delmas has been questionable every week, but he has continued to play. Houston was questionable against the Packers, but he was actually able to play. It seems likely both will be able to go, and the Lions could use them both. Sure, the Browns don't have a good quarterback, but they have a couple of excellent receiving options in Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon.
Not having Delmas or Houston would hurt, but not having Johnson would be the huge blow for the Lions. Even if he can play, he will have to go up against cornerback Joe Haden, who is excellent. So, even if he is a go, the Lions may have to look elsewhere a lot of the time. At least having Megatron out there would keep a bit of the pressure off Reggie Bush. The Lions will be looking for a good road win against a Cleveland team that has surprised people thus far. It may all come down to the health of Calvin Johnson's knee.
Questionable:
- Safety Louis Delmas (knee)
- Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring)
- Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (knee)
- Running back Theo Riddick (concussion)
- Tight end Tony Scheffler (concussion)
Out:
- Wide receiver Nate Burleson (arm)
For more Lions news and updates, visit Lions Central.
Chris Morgan has been a diehard Detroit Lions fan through the good (Barry Sanders) and the bad (Matt Millen) and that love has led him to take jobs writing about sports, including as a fantasy sports "expert." His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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Chris Morgan has been a diehard Detroit Lions fan through the good (Barry Sanders) and the bad (Matt Millen) and that love has led him to take jobs writing about sports, including as a fantasy sports "expert." His work can be found on Examiner.com. .
