Neither quarterback Matthew Stafford nor wide receiver Calvin Johnson were on the field during the portion of Lions practice open to reporters on Thursday.
That makes two straight days for Johnson, who is battling a right knee injury, and might represent a setback for the rookie quarterback. He was able to practice, albeit in a limited fashion, on Wednesday.
According to Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free-Press, the question following Wednesday’s workout was how well Stafford’s knee would hold up.
“That’s the main thing, to try to make sure it doesn’t blow up,” Stafford said Wednesday.
If he can’t go the Lions would again turn to Daunte Culpepper who has played fairly well in his appearances the last two weeks. Replacing Johnson would be more of a committee effort and, most likely, an incomplete one.