The Detroit Lions managed a comeback win against the New Orleans Saints without Calvin Johnson on the field, but it was clear his presence was missed. The wide receiver was out due to an ankle injury after not practicing for the entire week or the week before. Johnson has no plans to return to the field before he is fully healed which puts his Week 8 status in doubt as well.
The Lions traveled to London following their Week 7 win in order to face the Atlanta Falcons overseas. Ideally the team would love to have their top wide receiver on the field despite the Falcons struggles recently, but that does not look like a guarantee. The wide receiver was noted as a game-time decision for the Saints matchup and with Detroit sitting tied for the lead in the NFC North, getting him back healthy is a priority. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford likes his team's ability to find wins no matter what.
"We're finding ways to win," said Stafford, via the Chicago Tribune. "We came in here and played Buffalo (the last home game) and didn't find a way to win that game. Today, we did the opposite. We found a way to win it and that's what we've got to have more of."
Without Johnson, other stars are emerging for the Lions. Wide receiver Corey Fuller might not have been a popular name heading into the year, but every Detroit fan knows who he is now. Fuller notes that he does not always get called on, but he picked a good time to earn his first career touchdown. Stafford managed to find Fuller in the end zone on third down to win the game.
"I know I don't get called much," Fuller said. "I'm just here to help any way I can. Matt threw a great ball, the line blocked perfectly and all I had to do was come down with it. I had to do the easy job."
If Johnson is unable to play once again, Fuller will get the starting nod and likely more targets after earning Stafford's vote of confidence. Golden Tate remains the top receiving threat while Joique Bell surpasses Reggie Bush as the guaranteed starter at the running back position.
