Calvin Johnson, Kelechi Osemele Injury Updates

Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson was listed questionable in Week and Week 5 with an ankle injury, but he played through the pain in both games, as he was used as a decoy in Week 4 before being healthier in Week 5. On both occasions, however, the Lions strongly considered resting him, and I wonder if Jim Caldwell wishes he were more prudent last week, as Johnson aggravated the ankle injury and is now listed doubtful for today’s rivalry game against the Minnesota Vikings.

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I’ve always expected the Lions to rest Megatron for this week’s game, and he could even be considered questionable for Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints, who might not have Jimmy Graham either. It’s simply unwise to rush Johnson back onto the field, and there’s just about no chance he plays. The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett reports that while he spotted Johnson on the sidelines using the stationary bike, he still doesn’t expect the elite wideout to suit up today.

It looks like Baltimore Ravens star guard Kelechi Osemele, who has been a revelation this year after missing almost all of the 2013 season with an injury, is also not expected to play, as the Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reports that Osemele is “clearly struggling” with his knee as he works out with the trainer. With left tackle Eugene Monroe ruled out, the Ravens can’t afford to lose Osemele, especially since the Ravens are facing Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.