Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson told reporters on Thursday that he suffered a concussion and nerve damage during the team's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, but on Friday the Lions and Johnson released a statement refuting all such claims. Johnson now says he "misused" the terms "concussion" and "nerve damage," and that he actually suffered a stinger. Here are parts of the statement, relayed by CBS Sports via Twitter:
Calvin Johnson says he didn’t have concussion, nerve damage
Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions are now denying that the star wide receiver suffered nerve damage and a concussion in a game against the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season.
Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
A statement released by #Lions management refutes all claims that Calvin Johnson had nerve damage or a concussion in Week 4
— Lions RapidReports (@CBSLions) November 9, 2012
As part of that statement, #Lions WR Calvin Johnson says he "misused" the terms "concussion" and "Nerve damage."
— Lions RapidReports (@CBSLions) November 9, 2012
Johnson has been unable to practice in recent weeks due to a lingering knee injury, but analysts have been more concerned with his lack of production in the red zone. Megatron earned his reputation as one of the top receivers in the NFL by dominating smaller defensive backs and producing big plays, but this season he has caught just one touchdown. Even so, Johnson currently leads the team with 48 receptions, 767 receiving yards, a 16.0 yards-per-catch average and 15 plays of 20+ yards.
The Lions lost to the Vikings, 20-13, back in Week 4. The rematch is slated for 1 p.m. ET on FOX this Sunday.
See More:
