Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson told reporters before practice Wednesday that he is "almost 100 percent" and he expects to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. After missing the last three games with an ankle injury, Johnson said he wasn't rusty and is ready to have a strong second half of the season.
Calvin Johnson says he’ll play against the Dolphins
Calvin Johnson says he is ready to play this Sunday against Miami.
Gregory Shamus
Johnson's return will certainly bolster a Lions offense that has been mediocre this season, ranking just 24th in points per game (20.2) and 20th in yards per game (338.8). Golden Tate has picked up the slack on the receiving end in Johnson's absence, ranking in the top five this season in yards (800) and catches (55).
Johnson was having a subpar season by his standards as he battled injuries, with 348 yards on 22 receptions in five games, but when healthy he is arguably the most dangerous receiver in the league. Since his rookie year in 2007, no player has more receiving yards or receiving touchdowns than Megatron.
The Lions (6-2) own a one-game lead in the NFC North at the halfway mark of the season and have won all three games without Johnson, mostly thanks to a defense that is allowing the fewest points (15.8) and yards per game (290.4). They face a tough test on Sunday against a surprising 5-3 Miami team that boasts the league’s third-ranked defense.
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