There is little hope that Calvin Johnson will take the field on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The Detroit Lions wide receiver has been on and off the field for most of the season dealing with an array of injuries, but he has always managed to play on Sunday no matter what. However, Johnson's luck might be running out in Week 6 as he told the media it will take a lot to get him to play against the Vikings.
Johnson has not practiced all week after re-aggravating an ankle injury against the Buffalo Bills. The wide receiver has officially been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain which could keep the receiver off the field for a few weeks at the worst.
"Any time you're dealing with an ankle, you've got to run, you've got to cut, you've got to do all those things," Johnson said, via ESPN.com. "It makes it tough. Just a lot of treatment that goes into it. Takes some time to rest and get off your feet as well. You want to be smart. You don't want to put yourself in a position where you can't be there for the team when it comes down to the end. That's what we're trying to be smart about right now."
Not having Johnson on the field is certainly a hit to the Lions' offensive plan. The team is also dealing with an injury to Reggie Bush who is nursing an ankle injury as well. Johnson has 22 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns through five games and could be poised for a big game against the Vikings if he plays. Head coach Jim Caldwell did not want to immediately rule out Johnson for the week, but noted that the team would be cautious considering a high-ankle sprain is tricky to deal with.
"It's one of those deals where we take it week by week," Caldwell said. "He's a veteran. He knows his body better than anyone, and the doctors will confer and kind of give us their prognosis."
Fantasy owners should watch this development closely. Detroit will not wait around to rule Johnson out. If he does not get back onto the field for the rest of the week, it is just about guaranteed he will not play. In his place, Golden Tate will take over the No. 1 wide receiver spot. He already ranks ahead of Johnson in receiving so far this season. Eric Ebron could be a solid sleeper pick as well this season as he begins to find his way. Joique Bell is also expected to get a lot of time on the field if Bush is still unhealthy.
