Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson misses practice but will be ready for Saints - NFL News
The Detroit Lions practised on Wednesday as they prepared for their first playoff game since 1999 against the New Orleans Saints. However, star Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson sat out with an Achilles injury.
The wide receiver was rested by Coach Jim Schwartz to speed up the healing process and not risk aggravating the injury.
Johnson was similarly rested during the practice last week, but started the game against a second-string Green Bay Packers side. Although, Lions lost the game, Johnson’s performance was exceptional, as always!
In an interview with the Detroit News, Johnson did not look too concerned having to sit out practice and said that he wants to be fully healed before one of the Lions most important fixtures in a decade.
"This time of year, you are just trying to stay healthy and get right. These are some big games and you definitely want to be on the field."
Johnson has been in brilliant form this season. The wide receiver has developed a telepathic partnership with quarterback Matthew Stafford and is first in receiving yards covered for the season. The 26-year-old has covered 1,681 receiving yards from 96 receptions
and has scored 16 passing touchdowns.
The Lions have reached the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Under Coach Jim Schwartz, the franchise has developed a physical reputation and their passing plays are one of the best in the league this season.
Just two seasons ago, the Lions ended with a humiliating 0-16 record in the regular season, but with Schwartz at the helm and some brilliant talent in quarterback Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, the franchise has become a force to be reckoned with.
Coach Jim Schwartz would need his best team on the field against an in-form New Orleans Saints side on Saturday.
The Saints, led by quarterback Drew Brees, are one of the favourites to reach the Super Bowl. Brees is currently having a Most Valued Player (MVP) calibre season and has beaten legendary quarterback Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards record.
The Lions ended this regular season with a 10-6 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the sixth seed and second in the National Football Conference (NFC) North division.
The Playoffs are set to begin and the road to the Super Bowl is mapped. The Lions have a great chance to upset the Saints and it will take a big team effort for the Lions to progress beyond the NFC South Champions.
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