Calvin Johnson News: Pro Sports Daily

Lions' coach 'optimistic' Johnson, Smith will play

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November 6

Detroit News

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Friday he's "optimistic" that both receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith will play Sunday at Seattle. "As long as everything keeps going the way it is the next few days, I'll be all right," Johnson said after practicing again Friday. Johnson has missed the last two games with a right knee injury, while Smith suffered a shoulder injury last week against St. Louis. Smith said Thursday he expected to be ready to play against the Seahawks, as will quarterback Matthew Stafford, who returned from a three-week absence to play against the Rams last week."

Lions RB Kevin Smith, WR Calvin Johnson practice today

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November 6

Detroit Free Press

"Wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith continued to practice today. Both seem likely to play Sunday at Seattle, though Lions coach Jim Schwartz likely will not tip his hand. Johnson has missed two games with a injured right knee. Smith left the Lions' last game with a shoulder problem."

Smith returns; Calvin Johnson looks good

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November 6

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith returned to practice today, while wide receiver Calvin Johnson continued to show progress. Smith left Sunday's 17-10 loss to St. Louis with a shoulder injury and didn't practice Wednesday. He seems likely to play Sunday at Seattle, though coach Jim Schwartz isn't saying so. "He's got a long way to go till Sunday, but I'm encouraged," Schwartz said today. "Kevin's a tough guy. Kevin's a hardworking guy. I know if he can go on Sunday, he'll go." Johnson has missed two games with a right knee injury and was listed as limited Wednesday. He continued to look good in the portion of practice open to reporters, but Schwartz continued to say he would be a ..."

Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson look ready

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November 6

Detroit News

"Lions running back Kevin Smith was back at practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the third quarter of Sunday's loss to St. Louis. Both Smith and Maurice Morris took reps with the first-team offense in the portion of practice open to the media. Calvin Johnson continued to show no ill effects from the right knee injury that has sidelined him for the last two games. He worked with the first-team offense and certainly looked like he'll be ready for Sunday's game in Seattle. "We are just going to keep on taking it like we are," Johnson said. "We are going to be careful, do what I can do, and as long as I don't have any setbacks, things ..."

Lions' Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith both practice

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November 5

Michigan Live

"Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) practiced for the second straight day and running back Kevin Smith, who missed Wednesday's workout with a left shoulder injury, also took part in practice today. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz will likely declare both players as game-time decisions but it appears both will be in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks."

Lions' Calvin Johnson shows no effects of injury in practice

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November 4

Detroit News

"Receiver Calvin Johnson said Monday he was "ready to get going" after missing the Lions' last two games with a right knee injury. And he appeared to be going at full speed Wednesday as the Lions began preparations for this week's game at Seattle. Johnson didn't appear limited during position-group drills in the initial 30-minute portion of practice that is open to the media. But running back Kevin Smith, who left Sunday's loss to St. Louis with a shoulder injury, was sitting out Wednesday. He appeared to be the only player not participating at least on a limited basis."

Lions' Calvin Johnson practices, Kevin Smith sits out

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November 4

Michigan Live

"Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson practiced today and also took reps with the No. 1 offense -- something he didn't do last week when he practiced. Johnson took part in all of the individual drills and was running smoothly. Johnson, who suffered a right knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers, has not played in Detroit's previous two games."

Johnson out, Stafford in for Lions against Rams

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November 1

Detroit Free Press

"Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson will not play today against St. Louis, but quarterback Matthew Stafford will start. Both have had injured right knees. This will be the second game Johnson has missed. Stafford missed two games. Losing Johnson is a blow. He is the Lions' best player -- a deep threat -- and the Rams have been giving up a lot of deep passes. They have allowed 24 passes of 20 yards or more, tied for fourth-worst in the NFL. "The one thing that's going to happen, they'll play when they're ready, not to get out there before they're ready," coach Jim Schwartz said Thursday. "That will be the evaluation. It won't be because of whatever. The evaluation's going to be are they ..."

Lions' Johnson and Stafford making progress

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October 30

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions appear to be encouraged by the injury progress of their two top stars on offense. Receiver Calvin Johnson, who missed the last game with a knee injury, returned to practice Thursday and quarterback Matthew Stafford continued to look fine in the early portion of practice open to reporters as he recovers from the right knee injury that has sidelined him for two games. Officially, Johnson and Stafford were listed as having limited practice. "Those guys are making progress," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Those guys are making good progress. We're happy with the progress they're making. I think both of them have a ways to go. The good thing is we still got a ways to Sunday." Stafford ..."

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson returns to practice

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October 30

Detroit News

"Lions receiver Calvin Johnson was back at practice Thursday, catching passes from rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford. Johnson hurt his right knee in the second quarter against Pittsburgh on Oct. 11 and missed just the second game of his career the following week in Green Bay. The Lions could muster only 105 passing yards in Green Bay in Johnson's absence, so his return to the practice field is good news for the Lions. Johnson participated in individual receiver drills and caught passes from the quarterbacks. The team portion of practice is not open to the media. It was the third consecutive day Stafford had practiced after suffering an injury to his right knee cap at Chicago on Oct. 4. ..."

Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson both practice today

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October 29

Michigan Live

"Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced for the third straight day today and it appears he'll be the starter when the Lions host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. However, nothing is official and it's unlikely head coach Jim Schwartz will make an announcement today."

Lions' Stafford, Johnson healing, might play

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October 28

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said he felt better today than he did Oct. 14, the last time he tested his injured knee in practice. But he wouldn't speculate whether he would be able to play Sunday against St. Louis. "I don't know," Stafford said. "We'll see. It's a long week. We've got to figure out how this thing is going to react." Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (right knee) did not practice. But he did some work on the side and said he was "definitely optimistic" he would be able to play against the Rams, though "not positive." "It feels a lot better since last week," said Johnson, who has missed one game. "It just something we have to take day by day and see how it goes, ..."

Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson listed as inactive for today's game

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October 18

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions' top young offensive players – quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson – will not play today against the Packers because of right knee injuries. The Lions also will be without three defensive linemen who started the season opener: ends Jason Hunter (ankle) and Dewayne White (hamstring) and rookie tackle Sammie Hill (ankle). Also inactive are safety Ko Simpson (hamstring), guard Manny Ramirez and offensive tackle Jon Jansen."

Lambeau holds 'mystique' for Lions

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October 18

Detroit News

"Some of the Lions have tasted life on the other side of this NFC North rivalry. Some of them have called Lambeau Field home as NFL players. But most all of them agree on one thing: It's a special place, even if it is a place where the Lions haven't won since 1991. "Yeah, there's definitely a mystique about the place," said defensive end Jason Hunter, a fourth-year pro who spent his first three seasons with the Packers. "It's Lambeau Field. It's tradition. I mean, it's been around for years. Everybody knows about that place, that tradition, the Super Bowls, Vince Lombardi. And definitely, when you go in to play those guys, you have that in your mind." Jeff Backus, the Lions' veteran left ..."

Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson sit out practice

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice Friday and are listed as questionable with knee injuries for Sunday's game. Asked about Stafford -- who hasn't practiced since Wednesday -- Lions coach Jim Schwartz said: "We'll lean on our injury report and then we'll make a decision Sunday morning of what we're going to do. I actually will announce our decision Sunday morning." Daunte Culpepper will start if Stafford doesn't. The Lions haven't won at Lambeau Field since 1991. "It's an opportunity for certain guys," Culpepper said. "Guys who have made plays in the past and who've worked hard to get to this level know that when you have an opportunity to go out ..."

Stafford, C. Johnson likely out for Sunday's game

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October 16

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson were not on the field today for the portion of Lions practice that was open to reporters, making it seem more unlikely they will play Sunday at Green Bay. Both have right knee injuries. Johnson has not practiced all week. Stafford has not practiced since Wednesday, when he was listed as limited on the injury report. Defensive linemen Sammie Hill (ankle), Dewayne White (hamstring) and Jason Hunter (ankle) also were not participating in the portion of practice open to reporters. None of them has practiced this week."

Injured Stafford 'improving'; Calvin Johnson sits out again

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October 15

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took a step toward playing Sunday at Green Bay by going through a limited practice Wednesday. "He's improving," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's doing a little more each day that we're able to get him out on the field." Stafford reportedly suffered a partially dislocated right kneecap Oct. 4 at Chicago. He didn't practice last week until Friday, when he was limited. He sat out Sunday against Pittsburgh. In the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday, Stafford took the snaps with the first unit. He moved relatively well as he jogged, maneuvered and threw passes. Stafford said he could "feel it a little bit," but "it's getting there." The question is ..."

Calvin Johnson's injury not significant, Lions' Schwartz says

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October 13

Detroit News

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz frequently uses the word "significant" when talking about injuries that concern him. Lions fans should therefore be relieved that he didn't use that word Monday to describe the right knee injury star receiver Calvin Johnson suffered against Pittsburgh on Sunday. "I wouldn't label his as significant right now," Schwartz said. "He had some tests done and we'll know more Wednesday." Schwartz did characterize cornerback Eric King's left shoulder injury as "significant" and said the fifth-year player could be out for some time. King had his left arm in a sling Monday. Tight end Casey FitzSimmons (left thigh) and defensive end Jason Hunter (left ankle) also were ..."

Calvin Johnson's injury not deemed serious

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October 12

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson went for tests on his injured right knee after leaving in the first quarter of Sunday's 28-20 loss to Pittsburgh. Coach Jim Schwartz didn't give details today but indicated the injury was not serious. "I wouldn't label his significant right now," Schwartz said. Schwartz did label cornerback Eric King's left shoulder injury significant, however. King declined to comment. The Lions will monitor quarterback Matthew Stafford's recovery from a right knee injury this week. Schwartz said they would not consider the upcoming bye week when deciding whether Stafford will play Sunday at Green Bay."

Lions WR Johnson on sideline with knee problems

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October 11

NFL.com

"Lions WR Calvin Johnson made the start Sunday against the Steelers, but he doesn't appear to be 100 percent healthy. Johnson, who was limited during the week due to a thigh injury, went to the sideline midway through the second quarter to be checked on by team trainers. After an incomplete pass on the Lions' second drive of the game, Johnson immediately left the field for the trainers' table, where his right knee was then examined. After several minutes, Johnson was up on his feet and appeared to be testing the injury. He did not take the field for the team's next possession."

Steelers CB Ike Taylor vs. Lions WR Calvin Johnson

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October 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ike Taylor usually waits until Wednesday to start bugging Coach Mike Tomlin about the possibility of shadowing the other team's top receiver. This time, he didn't even wait that long. "I went up to him right after the [San Diego] game, and told him," Taylor said. His request? Follow Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, just like he did Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco and the Chargers' Vincent Jackson each of the past two weeks. Taylor held those two receivers, who have combined for 37 catches, 631 yards and five touchdowns this season, to six catches for 110 yards and no touchdowns. What's more, he had seven pass breakups in those two games, including three on the final series in Cincinnati. ..."

Calvin Johnson has Vikings' attention

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September 18

Detroit Free Press

"Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin said it's no great mystery why Calvin Johnson is one of the toughest wide receivers in the NFL to defend. "He's 6-5, 235 and (runs) a 4.3. Just think about that," he said. "That's tough for anybody to compete with." One of the few bright spots on a Detroit Lions team that has lost 18 consecutive games, Johnson will draw plenty of attention from Griffin and the Vikings defense Sunday. In his third NFL season Johnson has become one of the league's top deep-threat targets and a focal point of the Lions offense. Johnson caught 78 passes for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. "He's one of the best receivers in the league right now," nickel back Benny ..."

Calvin Johnson won't be Lions' emergency kicker

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August 22

Detroit News

"Receiver Chad Ocho Cinco is the Cincinnati Bengals' emergency kicker. His services were needed Thursday against the New England Patriots when kicker Shawn Graham was held out of the game after warmups because of a groin injury. Ocho Cinco kicked an extra point in a 7-6 victory. Coach Jim Schwartz was asked Friday who would kick if the Lions were ever in that situation? "Not Calvin Johnson," he said with a laugh. "He's got a bruised thumb; we don't need a bruised toe."

Calvin Johnson out for Saturday's exhibition

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August 21

Detroit Free Press

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said today that wide receiver Calvin Johnson will not play in Saturday's exhibition at Cleveland. Johnson has been sidelined with a sprained thumb. Schwartz said Johnson should take off his splint soon, however. The goal is for him to play in the third exhibition Aug. 29 against Indianapolis. • Schwartz said he had a quarterback rotation in his head but declined to reveal it. He has said Matthew Stafford likely will begin this exhibition, with Daunte Culpepper taking over later. • Tight end Casey Fitzsimmons still feels pain when he goes to his left because of his ankle injury. But he is trying to push through it. When he ran with the scout team today, it was his ..."

Lions receiving corps is banged up

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August 10

Detroit News

"Entering training camp, there was plenty of optimism surrounding the wide receiver corp. We all know Calvin Johnson is a stud and the Lions were pleased to sign veteran free agent Bryant Johnson and acquire veteran Dennis Northcutt via a trade. However, the Lions have yet to see all of them practice together, and it seems they're not any closer to getting there as all three now are battling injuries. Calvin Johnson sat out of practice Monday with a cast around the sore right thumb he jammed trying to catch a pass Friday. Coach Jim Schwartz and Johnson said the cast was precautionary and x-rays were negative, but Johnson said he was going to get the thumb further evaluated by doctors ..."

Stafford's arm, talent get high marks from Calvin Johnson

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August 3

Detroit Free Press

"It was the play of the day. Quarterback Matthew Stafford sidestepped the rush, then threw a dart deep downfield Sunday at Lions training camp. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, racing ahead of a defender, made a diving catch to the delight of the crowd of season-ticket holders. But a more important play, in terms of developing chemistry between Stafford and Johnson, might have been an unsuccessful one Saturday during the first practice of camp. Stafford, the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, thought he threw the ball high enough for Johnson, the No. 2 pick in 2007. But 6-foot linebacker Ernie Sims knocked it down. "It's tough getting used to," Stafford said. "You can actually throw it that high ..."