Lions Calvin Johnson better, most likely a game-time call

There was essentially no change in the status of receiver Calvin Johnson or quarterback Matthew Stafford on Thursday. Both have right shoulder injuries. Johnson, who injured his AC joint, could play against the Giants on Sunday. Stafford, whose injury is considered a sprain, most likely won't.

"We will see when we get to Sunday," coach Jim Schwartz said about Johnson. "Anything that goes on during the week you have to temper, both optimistically and pessimistically. We are just trying to get him to Sunday and see where he is."

Johnson, as he was on Wednesday, was limited in practice Thursday. The difference was, he caught a few balls. Most of them, at least in the portion of practice the media was allowed to watch, were caught left-handed. He didn't raise his right arm past shoulder level.

"It's better," Johnson said. "The range of motion is better. But nothing will be determined until Saturday."

Schwartz still has not officially ruled Stafford out for Sunday, though there is no indication that he will be ready to play. He threw Wednesday and said he would throw again Friday. But he has yet to practice with the team.

Fantasy Impact: 
Read more
today
George Pickens
Cooper Rush
Aidan O'Connell

Lions news