Few players in the NFL are as dominant as Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Unfortunately, Johnson seems to be slowing down as the season comes to a close due to some nagging injuries.
Calvin Johnson injury update: Lions WR hampered by knee, ankle issues
Detroit’s best player is dealing with some lower body pain to end the season.
Johnson has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries, according to the team's official web site. The best receiver in the world was limited in what he could do on Sunday in a 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants, eliminating the Lions from postseason contention.
Despite playing against one of the worst secondaries in the league, Johnson could only muster three catches for 43 yards and no touchdowns. It was clear throughout the game Johnson couldn’t get the normal separation he’s accustomed to.
Head coach Jim Schwartz acknowledged Johnson’s effort to play despite the pain after the game, per the piece:
“He’s been beat up pretty much the whole year, but he has gone out and has tried to do whatever he could this game. His knee and his ankle, his ankle was an issue last week and it was an issue all week this week. He tried to contribute what he could. It was very difficult for him. We tried to use him in the red zone and some third downs and things like that. He was nowhere near 100-percent.”
With the playoffs out of reach, it is unclear whether or not Detroit will play Johnson in its final game of the season. To this point, the future Hall of Famer has amassed 84 receptions for 1,492 yards and 12 touchdowns.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
