Detroit Lions Rumors: Calvin Johnson Could Miss 2 More Games

By Fuad Shalhout @shalhoutf on October 14, 2014

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell did not rule out star wide receiver Calvin Johnson missing two more games with a high ankle sprain, which would bring him back after the team’s bye week in Week 10.

“I do not hold a medical degree. It may appear I do from time to time to you, maybe, but I don’t,” Caldwell said. “The fact of the matter is I leave it up to the doctors. Those are the professionals. They know exactly what it takes.

“Them in conjunction with Calvin and how he feels, they treat not only symptoms of the situation but also the patient as well, in terms of how he feels. So they’ll let us know what’s the best path to take.”

This may be the best thing for Johnson and the Lions. He initially injured the ankle in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers, then tried playing through it the following two games but was ineffective.  He missed last week’s contest against the Minnesota Vikings but the Lions still won, 17-3.

Holding Megatron out until he’s fully healthy should be their highest priority. The Lions have the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL (yeah, kind of surreal, isn’t?) and have more than enough to hold the fort down until he returns.

Having a healthy Johnson in November and December is imperative if Detroit wants to win their first NFC North division title since 1991.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has struggled without having his big weapon on the outside, completing 19 of 33 passes for a season-low 185 yards on Sunday.

But Stafford has to show that he isn’t merely a product of Johnson, and he can go out and win football games without him. It’s his time now.

If Detroit’s defense remains elite, and Johnson returns 100 percent, they can become a dangerous threat in the NFC.

Fuad Shalhout is a Detroit Pistons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.