Detroit Lions superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson was never expected to play in today’s big matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as he never practiced at all for a second straight week due to an aggravated ankle injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. After being listed doubtful, Johnson missed last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, but he was upgraded to a questionable listing for today’s game against New Orleans. That said, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell stated on Friday that it would take a “miracle” for Megatron to suit up today. He is now officially inactive.
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Beat writers closely observed Johnson during pre-game warm-ups today, and he worked out and stretched for a few hours before it became clearer that Caldwell had made the call to sit Johnson out for another game. It’s excellent news for the Saints, who are searching for a big statement win following the bye week to right the ship after a disappointing start to the season.
While Johnson isn’t a surprise inactive at all, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Gibson is a huge surprise on the team’s inactive list for today’s game against the Chicago Bears. The Palm Beach Post’s Andrew Abramson wonders if Gibson, who was listed probable, is a healthy scratch today, and his absence definitely means that talented LSU Tigers rookie Jarvis Landry has another chance to make a huge impact on the offense.
I wonder if Gibson suffered a setback on his hamstring injury, because he did miss last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers after being listed doubtful on the injury report.